Image: Courtesy of Optica

Together with partners Hamamatsu Photonics and Thorlabs, Menlo is proud to announce that we are sponsoring the Theodor W. Hänsch Prize in Quantum Optics, created by the Optica Foundation.

The prize provides recognition and funding for early-career members of Optica as they pursue exciting and innovative projects that have the potential to make a meaningful and positive impact in the areas of optics-enabled quantum technologies.

Named after Menlo Systems co-founder and Director at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, Prof. Theodor W. Hänsch, the prize honors his seminal contributions to quantum optics and precision metrology. Prof. Hänsch shared his thoughts on the establishment of the prize in his name:

“I am honored to lend my name to this new prize, which will recognize early significant achievements in the broad field of quantum optics. The prize will help to propel promising scientific careers and to enrich the world of science and technology in the future.”

Dr. Michael Mei, CEO and co-founder of Menlo Systems also said of the prize:

“We are thrilled to support this newly-established prize in quantum optics, together with our strategic partners Thorlabs and Hamamatsu, and look forward to getting to know the recipients over the coming years. We believe that receiving the Theodor W. Hänsch Prize will become a cornerstone for a successful career in quantum optics.”

The inaugural prize application process will open on 8^th January 2023 and will close on 8^th March 2023. We encourage all early-career researchers working in any field relating to quantum optics or quantum technologies to apply! Check out the Optica website for more details on the prize and how to apply:

Optica Foundation - Theodor W. Hänsch Prize in Quantum Optics