Video will be posted here.
Date: 02/21/2025
About this Forum:
The planned title of this talk is Frequency combs for precision applications on the ground and in space. This is subject to change, so check back here. No matter the topic it should be interesting!
About the presenters:
Dr. Ronald Holzwarth is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and co-founder of Menlo Systems GmbH, a leading developer and global supplier of precision metrology instrumentation. Born in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1969, he received his Diplom degree in physics from the University of Konstanz in 1995 and his Ph.D. from the University of Munich in 2001. His doctoral research was conducted at the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics (MPQ) in Garching, Germany, under the guidance of Professor Theodor W. Hänsch.
Under his technical leadership, Menlo Systems has developed a diverse product portfolio focusing on precision applications based on optical methods, including optical frequency combs, ultra-stable continuous-wave lasers, femtosecond lasers, and terahertz systems. These innovations have set new standards in the photonics industry and have been instrumental in advancing quantum science and applications.
Dr. Jens Schumacher is the General Manager of Menlo Systems Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Menlo Systems GmbH, a leading developer and global supplier of precision metrology instrumentation. He assumed this role in early 2024, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in the photonics industry. Prior to joining Menlo Systems, Dr. Schumacher held significant positions at prominent photonics companies, including Coherent Inc. and Thorlabs, where he was involved in sales, program and product line management, and customer service.
In his current role, Dr. Schumacher is responsible for overseeing the U.S.-based team of sales and service experts, coordinating operations from the company’s facility in Boulder, Colorado. He is focused on supporting Menlo Systems’ growth and success in North America and exploring emerging application fields through the establishment of new facilities. This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to its customers and partners in the region.
Menlo Systems is a leading company in the field of precision photonics and optical metrology, specializing in frequency comb technology, ultrafast lasers, and terahertz systems. It was founded in 2001 as a spin-off from the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics (MPQ), with strong ties to Professor Theodor W. Hänsch, who won the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on optical frequency combs.
Core Technologies and Products:
- Optical Frequency Combs:
- Menlo Systems is a pioneer in the commercialization of optical frequency combs, which provide ultra-precise optical clock synchronization, absolute frequency measurements, and high-accuracy spectroscopy.
- Used in applications like optical clocks, fundamental physics, and precision spectroscopy.
- Ultrafast Lasers:
- Femtosecond fiber lasers for applications in microscopy, materials processing, and quantum optics.
- Offers stable, low-noise laser sources for frequency metrology and timing applications.
- Terahertz Systems:
- Develops terahertz time-domain spectrometers for non-destructive testing, security screening, and material characterization.
- Used in semiconductor research, pharmaceutical analysis, and quality control.
- Ultra-Stable Lasers & Timing Distribution Systems:
- Precision laser sources with ultra-low phase noise for quantum computing, atomic physics, and interferometry.
- Optical and microwave signal synchronization systems for high-precision timing networks.
- Quantum Technology Solutions:
- Provides photonics-based tools for quantum computing, quantum sensing, and fundamental physics research.
Scientific and Industrial Applications:
- Metrology & Timekeeping:
- Used in optical clocks for redefining the second and maintaining atomic time standards.
- Quantum Technologies:
- Supports quantum computing, communication, and sensing.
- Spectroscopy & Fundamental Research:
- Enables precision spectroscopy for detecting fundamental constants and testing physical theories.
- Medical & Biological Imaging:
- Ultrafast lasers are used in multiphoton microscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
- Industrial & Aerospace Applications:
- Terahertz spectroscopy for material analysis and security applications.
Global Presence:
Menlo Systems is headquartered in Germany (Martinsried, near Munich), with a U.S. subsidiary in Boulder, Colorado. It serves research institutions, universities, government labs, and industrial partners worldwide.