Revolution in astrophysics: Emden University conducts research with a laser frequency comb!

Revolution in astrophysics: Emden University conducts research with a laser frequency comb!

Today is an important day for Emden/Leer University. In the university laboratory, students Viljon Sekseni and Kersten Mumme are preparing a measuring station to test a newly purchased laser frequency comb. This state-of-the-art device, used at the Institute of Lasers and Optics (ILO), not only has an impressive technology story, but also the potential to provide profound scientific insights.

The main goal of the laser frequency comb is testing and later use for calibration. This frequency comb serves as a high-precision reference for optical frequencies—a technology that won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2005. The scientists Theodor Hänsch and John Hall revolutionized the areas of spectroscopy and data transmission with their development, which is also clearly noticeable in the current project work at the university.

Project VOLAP – A look into distant galaxies

As part of the VOLAP (Fully Automated Laser Frequency Comb with Resolved Pulses) project, an automated system is being developed to analyze deviations between measured stellar spectra. This could be crucial for gaining insights into the distances of exoplanets and even clues to possible life forms. Professor Dr. Philipp Huke, who leads the project, explains that the wavelengths of light are influenced by the movement of planets and can therefore provide important information about our universe.

Additionally, Professor Huke is part of an international team working on the realization of the largest optical telescope (ELT) for the European Southern Observatory in Chile. The laser frequency comb will also be used to calibrate the ANDES spectrograph once the system is automated.

The project is supported with around 320,000 euros from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the state of Lower Saxony. This funding shows how valuable research in the area of ​​physical constants and atomic processes is and what importance it has in the European scientific landscape.

A detailed look at the technology

The laser frequency comb itself generates a light spectrum of different frequencies, which makes it possible to better understand atomic processes. The application of this technology goes far beyond the laboratory, as it finds a place in spectroscopy and also in data transmission, where precise frequencies are required.

The following applies to all technology enthusiasts and students: Anyone wondering how to use the latest developments in technology, especially with instruments like this frequency comb, in everyday life should take a look at supporting materials. For Windows users, for example, there are numerous resources for optimally organizing and finding downloads. Websites like Support Your Tech provide helpful step-by-step instructions for using the latest technologies efficiently.

Thanks to such exciting projects and innovative technologies, Emden/Leer University is not only a place of learning, but also an inspiring space for research and development, where the list of achievements is constantly growing.

Stay tuned for further developments and exciting scientific news!