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| Interview with Jun Ye |
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| MUNICH/Germany, OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 20.06.2007. What is so interesting about research on frequency combs; why this field in particular? Jun Ye: Optical frequency combs uniquely combine two scientific disciplines that were not related at all in the past: precision metrology and ultra-fast sciences. A frequency comb is a wave train comprising ultrashort, phase-coherent pulses that enable us to observe ultrafast, dynamic processes in very short time frames, or to perform spectroscopy with unparalleled resolution over longer periods. What was your greatest challenge in the advancement of frequency combs? Jun Ye: To be creative as possible during the search for different application possibilities. Each of these applications requires solving specific technical problems. However, until now, we have found these solutions. My goal is to achieve control over the interactions between light and matter at a quantum level with a level of precision that has never before been achieved. To do this, we are working on several projects: these include a frequency generator for the precision spectroscopy of atoms and molecules, research on ultra-cold atoms that enable the next generation of optical atomic clocks or the transmission of signals for the chronological control of GPS satellites that are significantly more stable and precise than existing solutions. We have shifted the spectral range of frequency combs to VUV radiation. VUV stands for Vacuum- Ultraviolet radiation and describes the spectral range of electromagnetic radiation that borders UV in the shortwave range. Direct frequency comb spectroscopy, in which a number of comb components interact with atomic systems simultaneously, permits the capture of information about the basic structure of atoms. Additionally, we combine high-precision measuring technology with high-resolution spectroscopy to deliver new concepts in quantum control. Which industrial applications already have frequency combs? Jun Ye: Several laser manufacturers, particularly in Germany, are currently commercializing this technology. Corresponding measuring systems are utilized in academic research, in metrology institutes such as the German National Metrology Institute (PTB), or in telecommunication applications. Are there any practical possibilities that will apply to everyone someday? Jun Ye: We use optical frequency combs for the extremely sensitive detection of a large bandwidth of molecules. This can be utilized to develop new tools for the identification of the components of gas. For such systems, possible uses exist in medicine for the examination of air, applications in occupational safety for the detection of hazardous chemical components or in quality control in the semiconductor industry, for example. Why do we need perfect atomic clocks, for example? Jun Ye: For one, they help satisfy human curiosity in the research of fundamental physical dimensions. They also improve navigation and enable a new generation of highly precise measuring instruments. So we can use these types of clocks for GPS systems? Jun Ye: Without a doubt. They will clearly improve the performance of existing GPS systems. Are there any projects with the PTB in Brunswick? Jun Ye: As a matter of fact there are – the Do you have any other connections to Germany? Jun Ye: I have contact with German universities and research facilities such as the PTB and the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics in Garching. Other than an increasingly closer cooperation with Menlo Systems in Martinsried, there is no more contact to German industrial companies – but that can change at any time. Silke Schmid Corporate Communications Phone: +49 7364 20-8208 Fax: +49 7364 20-3122 E-Mail: 
s.schmid@zeiss.deNumber: 110/07 CC Number of Words: 581 Number of Signs: 3997 |
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