Dr. Bernd Schulte is a Junior Scientist/Postdoc at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (AEI) in Hannover, Germany. His research focuses on Laser Interferometry , Gravitational Wave Astronomy , and Non-classical Interferometry , contributing to cutting-edge advancements in gravitational wave detection. Based in Hannover, he works within a specialized research environment dedicated to precision measurement and astrophysics. Research Interests Laser Interferometry for gravitational wave detection Quantum optics in non-classical interferometry Experimental techniques in gravitational wave astronomy Contact Information Phone: +49 511 762-17025 Address: Callinstraße 38, 30167 Hannover, Germany
Fred Gittes is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Washington State University, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. He is actively involved in both undergraduate and graduate education, teaching a broad range of physics courses including honors physics, electromagnetism, modern physics, and biological physics. His research lies at the intersection of statistical physics, biophysics, and theoretical methods in physics. His research interests include: Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics Biological Physics and Micromanipulation Optical Trapping and Laser-Based Techniques Differential Geometry and Gauge Theory in Physical Systems Mechanics of Biological Motors and Polymers His recent publications reflect a continued interest in theoretical modeling of physical phenomena, especially in biological contexts. He has developed methods in microscopy and optical trapping, and has explored the use of differential forms in classical physics. His work has been highlighted by Nature Physics and recognized with the JOSA Spotlight on Optics. A recurring theme in his research is the use of thermal fluctuations to extract mechanical properties of soft and biological materials. Notable scientific recognitions include: Excellence in Teaching by a Clinical Faculty Member (2020 Faculty Teaching Award) Highlighted by Nature Physics for his 2018 paper on deriving Einstein's results from the Jarzynski equality Selected for JOSA’s Spotlight on Optics distinction for work on nonconservative forces in optical traps Fred Gittes has mentored several award-winning undergraduate students, including multiple recipients of the Four Outstanding Senior Award who cited him as their most influential teacher. He has delivered numerous colloquia on topics ranging from falling cats and gauge theory to the physics of blood spatter and nuclear radiation in popular culture. His teaching includes graduate-level courses in thermal physics, electrodynamics, and differential geometry, as well as innovative interdisciplinary offerings.
Professor Klaus Hornberger is a leading theoretical physicist at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, heading the AG Hornberger research group devoted to the quantum physics of complex nanoscale systems. Since 2011 he has held the Chair of Theoretical Physics in the Faculty of Physics, after previously leading a research group at the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems and holding an Emmy Noether grant at LMU Munich. Education & Career: PhD in Quantum Chaos, LMU Munich (2001) Diploma Physics, LMU Munich & MPQ Garching (1997) Post-doctoral fellow, University of Vienna (with Markus Arndt & Anton Zeilinger) Emmy Noether Group Leader, LMU Munich (2004-2009) Research Group Leader, MPI Dresden (2009-2011) Professor of Theoretical Physics, University of Duisburg-Essen (2011–present) Research Focus: His work centres on decoherence theory , matter-wave interferometry , quantum opto- and electro-mechanics , and the quantum-to-classical transition . Ongoing projects explore decoherence and entanglement in nanomechanical systems, molecular matter waves, levitated nanoparticles, and rotational superpositions. The group pursues both foundational tests of quantum mechanics and practical sensing applications, often in close collaboration with leading experimental teams worldwide. Scientific Awards & Honors: Outstanding Referee Award, American Physical Society (2022) Member of the NRW Academy of Sciences & Arts (since 2022) Emmy Noether Grant, German Research Foundation (2004–2009) Otto Hahn Medal, Max Planck Society (2001) Supervision & Grants: He has supervised >15 PhD students, many of whom have themselves received dissertation and poster prizes. His research is funded by the EU Horizon 2020 programme (NANOQUESTFIT, MAQRO), the German Research Foundation (DFG Emmy Noether, Heisenberg, SFB/TRR), and the Wilhelm & Else Heraeus Foundation (workshops & summer schools). Group & Collaborations: The AG Hornberger group occupies rooms MG 480–490 in the Duisburg campus, hosting post-docs, PhD and Master students working on theory closely coupled to experiments at UC Berkeley, University of Vienna, ETH Zürich, Imperial College London, and other leading laboratories.
Cyril C Torre is a Senior Research Associate at the School of Physics , University of Bristol, specializing in quantum imaging and precision measurement. His research bridges quantum optics and advanced microscopy techniques using non-classical light sources. Role : Senior Research Associate PhD Thesis : Microscopy with Quantum States of Light (2023) Collaborations : Quantum Imaging Centre, University of Bristol Research Interests focus on: Quantum-enhanced microscopy for sub-micron depth imaging Entangled photon applications in magnetic field sensing Single-pixel imaging with quantum correlated photons Interferometry (Hong-Ou-Mandel, Kerr amplitude-squeezed light) Precision measurement in lossy environments
