Markus Allgaier

Markus Allgaier is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics & Astrophysics at the University of North Dakota, where his research focuses on quantum optics, laser communications, and optical remote sensing for Earth science. He joined UND in January 2024 after postdoctoral work at the University of Oregon and NIST Boulder.

His educational background includes:

• BSc and MSc in Physics and Materials Science from Philipps-University Marburg, Germany
• PhD in Applied Physics from Paderborn University

Dr. Allgaier's research spans Quantum Optics, Quantum Communication, and Quantum Sensing, with applications in secure communication and environmental monitoring. He develops novel optical sensors for studying snow, ice, and glacier properties, bridging quantum technologies and Earth observation.

His recent 2022 publications highlight an interdisciplinary trend: applying optical techniques to environmental challenges, such as a smartphone-based snow reflectometer and a photon-counting LiDAR for glacier ice. These works demonstrate innovation in field-deployable instrumentation for cryosphere science.

He is actively engaged in major projects:

• NASA ICESat-2 Science Team: contributing to satellite laser altimetry for Earth's surface elevation
• NSF ASPEN-Net: developing quantum photonic networks for unbreakable encryption
• Satellite Laser Communication Facility: building infrastructure at UND for optical communications
• CASCADES:SNOW: investigating snow optical properties in the Oregon Cascades

Dr. Allgaier teaches undergraduate courses in Optics, Advanced Physics Laboratory, and Quantum Optics, emphasizing hands-on experimental skills and cutting-edge quantum technologies.