Theodor Hänsch: Passion for Precision - Nurturing a passion for precision Lecture from “Passion for Precision” at Czech Technical University, Czech Republic
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- 31.03.2009
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Supplimentary Materials
Chapter 1 of 21: Nurturing a passion for precision
Theodor Hansch recalls how light sparked his interest in science, and he relives his childhood memories of experimenting with light. (5 minutes)
Chapter 1 of 21: Nurturing a passion for precision
Theodor Hansch recalls how light sparked his interest in science, and he relives his childhood memories of experimenting with light. (5 minutes)
Chapter 2 of 21: First glimpses of the quantum world
Light as a quantum phenomenon. Overview of groundbreaking discoveries in optics from the early 20th century to the present. (4 minutes, 54 seconds)
Chapter 3 of 21: Harnessing the power of lasers
The beginning of a long quest to find ever-higher resolution and precision measurements. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 4 of 21: Measuring light-wave frequencies
Measuring frequencies of light was vital for good science, but they were limited by the technology - until frequency combs. But what is a frequency comb? (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 5 of 21: Creating the frequency comb
How to generate light pulses and measure light using the optical frequency comb synthesizer. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 6 of 21: Perfecting the frequency comb
It wasn't all plain sailing creating the frequency comb, and Hänsch explains how he made a self-referential frequency comb to confirm the phase. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 7 of 21: Practical applications
Commercial versions of frequency combs are being used in telecommunications and laboratories all over the world. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 8 of 21: Probing hydrogen with combs
Exploring the spectroscopy of the hydrogen atom and demonstrating the power of the frequency combs. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 9 of 21: First measurements of hydrogen spectra
Confronting early scepticism and controversy between theoretical and experimental data. Development of clocks, pendulums and optical clocks. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 10 of 21: Optical clocks
Developing this form of timing device will be highly useful in the fields of telecommunications, satellite navigation and astronomy. Successfully creating these remains, however, a massive technical problem. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 11 of 21: Towards precision astronomy
Frequency combs can be used to calibrate astronomical telescopes, transforming the way we view the universe. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 12 of 21: Quantum interference
Splitting high harmonic laser beams and observing interference fringes means that the lasers are coherent. Storage rings might have the answer for high harmonics. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 13 of 21: Evolutionary tree of frequency combs
Often the most important discoveries require serendipity and freedom. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 14 of 21: Mechanical frequency combs
It is actually possible to build a mechanical version of the optical clock, and this serves as a good way of demonstrating how they work. Questions and answers. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 15 of 21: Q&A - Constants, Proton Radius and Blu-Ray
Hansch answers questions on fundamental contants, theoretical precision, proton radii and downloading movies. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 16 of 21: Q&A - Theoretical limits, Medical Technology,
Limits in optical clocks, applications in medical technologies. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 17 of 21: Q&A - Inspiration, Applications, Synchronization
Sources of inspiration, telecommunications and the synchronization of clocks. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 18 of 21: Q&A - Synchronization, Extreme Ultraviolet, Commercialization
Synchronization of clocks, extreme ultraviolet combs. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 19 of 21: Q&A - Stability and Science Talent Search
Stability of the optical clock, their advancement and how to create a brilliant lab. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 20 of 21: Q&A - Doing a PhD now and Laser Choices
Hänsch's choices for a PhD now and the advantages of fibre lasers. (4 minutes, 55 seconds)
Chapter 21 of 21: Q&A - Importance of an Open Mind
An open mind and a passion for your subject are the keys to success. (3 minutes, 16 seconds)
Description
Precision is at the core of Theodor Hansch's work with optical combs, a laser-based technique that is revolutionizing the way we measure time and distance.
