History of the IQP
The former Institute for Laser Physics was created as a center for research and teaching dealing with the interaction of coherent light with matter, coherent light sources, as well as the related measurement and preparation methods.
In 1991, the Institute was founded by merging the two academic chairs “Solid state lasers” of Prof Dr Günter Huber and “Quantum optics and laser spectroscopy” of Prof Dr Peter E. Toschek, previously located in the former Institutes for Applied Physics and Experimental Physics I, respectively. The foundation was undertaken in a rather space wise constricted office and laboratory situation at the downtown campus of the Physics Department (Jungiusstraße 9, 9a). In 2003, the Institute moved to new and modern premises on the Bahrenfeld Campus.
From the beginning, the ILP also dedicated itself to both, basic and applied research. Based upon considerable expertise in laser physics, crystal and quantum optics as well as laser spectroscopy, the Institute conducted very successful research work in the following areas:
- Growth and characterization of new laser crystals,
- Optical cooling, storage, and spectroscopy of ions (especially of single ions) in electrodynamic traps,
- Laser spectroscopy including detection and exploration of extremely small substance amounts,
- Frequency mixing and multiplication of coherent light,
- Development of new lasers, especially solid-state lasers for medical and measuring applications.
With the research in these areas, the newly founded Laser Institute covered a number of important topical issues, ranging from fundamental questions in quantum optics to basic and applied laser physics as well as preparative high-technology methods. The fundamental subject area has been maintained until today.