Tobias Utikal

Tobias Utikal is a Researcher and Research Coordinator at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) in Erlangen, Germany. He leads the Sandoghdar Division and focuses on cryogenic nano-quantum optics, nano-bio-photonics using iSCAT microscopy, and single-emitter quantum systems. His work integrates advanced technologies like narrow-band lasers, cryogenics, and nano-positioning to advance quantum optical experiments.

Utikal holds a Diploma in Physics from the University of Bonn and a PhD from the University of Stuttgart, where he studied ultrafast spectroscopy in photonic crystals. After postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich, he joined MPL as a senior scientist. He serves as a safety officer and was elected scientific staff representative from 2015–2021.

His research explores cutting-edge topics including coherent coupling of molecules to optical circuits, single-molecule quantum state control, and cryogenic vibronic spectroscopy. Recent work highlights include achieving vacuum Rabi splitting with single molecules and developing on-chip interference techniques for molecular imaging.