Dekanin Stephanie Hansmann-Menzemer, Universität Heidelberg Feierliche Überreichung der Urkunden an die Masteranden, die im Wintersemester 2025/26 oder im Sommersemester 2026 abgeschlossen haben.
Prof. Dr. Andre Schöning, Physikalisches Institut, Universität Heidelberg The Art of Particle Detection - How Modern Instruments Measure the Invisible Prof. Dr. André Schöning Physikalisches Institut, Universität Heidelberg Particle detectors have been at the heart of experimental particle physics for more than 130 years. Continuous advances in detector technology have enabled one of the great achievements of modern science: the Standard Model of particle physics, which provides an extraordinarily successful description of fundamental interactions down to smallest length scales and forms a cornerstone of our understanding of the evolution of the universe. Yet the Standard Model is not the final word. Fundamental questions remain unanswered, motivating new experiments and increasingly sophisticated particle detectors. In this talk, I will introduce the physical principles behind particle detection and explore how modern detector technologies transform the passage of invisible particles into measurable signals. I will discuss the scientific and technological challenges of achieving ever higher spatial, time, and energy resolution, while maintaining excellent performance in environments with extremely high particle rates. We will see how advances in sensors and electronics are utilized to improve tracking detectors and calorimetry, thereby opening up new opportunities to explore the fundamental laws of nature.
Prof. Dr. Wilfried Nörtershäuser, TU Darmstadt Magic Moments: Nuclear properties studied by laser spectroscopy with COLLAPS at ISOLDE/CERN Prof. Dr. Wilfried Nörtershäuser TU Darmstadt The optical spectrum of atoms and ions offers a unique window into the nucleus, giving access to nuclear properties such as charge radii, spins and nuclear moments that reveal single-particle and collective effects alike. This approach applies equally well to stable and short-lived isotopes. Collinear laser spectroscopy (CLS), the pioneering technique for laser spectroscopy on short-lived isotopes, has been used at on-line facilities for almost half a century and is still flourishing. After introducing the technique, I will present recent measurements from the COLLAPS experiment at ISOLDE/CERN, focusing on nuclei near prominent shell closures — in particular the calcium (Z=20), tin (Z=50), and lead (Z=82) regions. I will close with current and planned work on the charge radius of light protonhalo nuclei.
Roland Bacon, Observatoire de Lyon The WST project aims to design and construct an innovative 10-metre class wide-field spectroscopic survey telescope (WST) in the southern hemisphere. It will feature the parallel operation of two cutting-edge instruments: a high-multiplex (32,000), large field-of-view (3 square degrees) multi-object spectrograph (MOS) operating in both low- and high-resolution modes, and a giant panoramic integral field spectrograph (IFS). WST’s ambitious top-level requirements place it well ahead of all existing and planned facilities. In its first five years of operation, the MOS is expected to observe 300 million galaxies, 25 million stars at low resolution, and 2 million stars at high resolution, while the IFS will deliver 4 billion spectra. These capabilities will enable transformative science across a wide range of astrophysical domains. A key strength of WST lies in the synergy between its MOS and IFS instruments, offering highly complementary spectroscopic survey modes. This dual approach is central to the project’s scientific ambition. WST is envisioned as the next major facility for ESO following the ELT, and a proposal will be submitted in response to the upcoming ESO Call for Ideas in 2027. The project is backed by a large consortium of leading institutes from European countries and Australia, with deep expertise in astronomical instrumentation and survey science. To arrange a visit with the speaker during the visit, please contact their host: Dylan Nelson
Prof. Dr. Leticia Tarruell, ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences, Spain
