Prof. Dr Thomas Zentgraf is the new spokesperson for the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Tailored Nonlinear Photonics"
Prof. Dr Thomas Zentgraf, physicist at Paderborn University, has been the new spokesperson for the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC)/Transregio (TRR) 142 "Tailored Nonlinear Photonics" since the beginning of January. In the programmes, which are intensively funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), scientists conduct basic research across disciplines and universities. Zentgraf, who is highly respected in specialist circles, particularly in the field of ultrafast nanophotonics, was unanimously elected by the TRR General Assembly in November last year.
Manipulation leads to new technologies
In the TRR 142 projects, the scientists are working on the targeted manipulation of light. Through their work, they want to break new ground in information and communication technology. The joint project of Paderborn University (host university) and Dortmund University of Technology is focussing in particular on future applications of photonics and quantum technologies on optical chips. The aim is to accommodate increasingly more and smaller components on the light-based computing units - in favour of efficiency and costs. Thanks to their special properties, photons - small particles of light that make up electromagnetic radiation - are seen as a beacon of hope for a revolution in data transmission.
New spokesperson continues scientific excellence
Zentgraf, who has already been active on the board of the TRR 142 in recent years, will not only continue on the path of scientific excellence, but will also pay particular attention to the promotion of young scientists and to the aspects of equality and inclusion: "Since its launch in 2014, the CRC TRR 142 has produced many high-ranking and highly cited publications. I will do my best to successfully lead the CRC until its end next year - certainly with further groundbreaking results."
Zentgraf is head of the Ultrafast Nanophotonics Group at Paderborn University and spokesperson for the Centre for Optoelectronics and Photonics Paderborn (CeOPP). In 2016, he was awarded an ERC Starting Grant by the European Commission and was appointed a fellow of the Max Planck School of Photonics in 2021.
The previous spokesperson, Prof Dr Christine Silberhorn, knows that the position is in the best hands: "I am delighted that Thomas Zentgraf, an experienced scientist and excellent colleague, is taking on the role of spokesperson and will continue the position in the interests of the CRC, the two universities and outstanding cutting-edge research. With my recent appointment to the German Science Council, I have gladly taken on another incredibly rewarding - but also time-consuming - task, but will remain with the CRC as a researcher."
Quantum research in Paderborn
Working on and with the smallest particles of light has been one of Paderborn University's key topics for many years. Recognised experts conduct excellent basic research in order to shape the future through concrete applications. In doing so, they are making a decisive contribution to quantum research both nationally and internationally.
Further information on the CRC and quantum research at Paderborn University can be found here.
This text has been translated automatically.
