View source for Theodor W. Hänsch

== Early Life and Education ==
Theodor Wolfgang Hänsch was born on October 30, 1941, in Heidelberg, [[Germany]]. He developed an interest in [[Physics|physics]] at an early age, which led him to pursue his higher education in the same field. He completed his undergraduate studies at the [[Heidelberg University]], one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany. 

[[Image:Detail-53811.jpg|thumb|center|An image of Heidelberg University, a historic and prestigious institution.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-53812.jpg|thumb|center|An image of Heidelberg University, a historic and prestigious institution.|class=only_on_desktop]]

After obtaining his bachelor's degree, Hänsch continued his studies at the same university, earning his doctorate in physics in 1969. His doctoral thesis focused on the field of [[Quantum Optics|quantum optics]], a branch of physics that deals with the application of quantum mechanics to phenomena involving light and its interactions with matter.

== Career and Research ==
Following his doctorate, Hänsch embarked on a career in academia. He held several research and teaching positions at various institutions, including the [[Stanford University|Stanford]], where he served as a professor of physics from 1975 to 1986. During his tenure at Stanford, he made significant contributions to the field of [[Laser Spectroscopy|laser spectroscopy]], a technique used to study the interaction of light with matter.

In 1986, Hänsch returned to Germany to join the faculty of the [[Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich|Ludwig Maximilian University]] in Munich. He served as the director of the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics and held the position of a professor of experimental physics at the university. His research at the institute primarily focused on precision measurements in atomic and molecular physics using laser light.

One of Hänsch's most significant contributions to the field of physics is the development of the [[Frequency Comb|frequency comb]] technique. This technique, which he developed in collaboration with his student, John L. Hall, allows for the precise measurement of light frequencies. The frequency comb technique has wide-ranging applications, from the calibration of atomic clocks to the testing of fundamental constants of nature.

[[Image:Detail-53813.jpg|thumb|center|An image of a frequency comb, a tool used for precise measurement of light frequencies.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-53814.jpg|thumb|center|An image of a frequency comb, a tool used for precise measurement of light frequencies.|class=only_on_desktop]]

== Awards and Honors ==
Throughout his career, Hänsch has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to the field of physics. In 2005, he was awarded the [[Nobel Prize in Physics|Nobel Prize]] for his work on the development of laser-based precision spectroscopy, including the optical frequency comb technique. He shared the prize with John L. Hall and Roy J. Glauber.

In addition to the Nobel Prize, Hänsch has also received the [[Balzan Prize]] for his innovative work in quantum optics and laser spectroscopy. He is a member of several prestigious scientific societies, including the [[National Academy of Sciences]] and the [[American Physical Society]].

== Personal Life ==
Hänsch is not only known for his scientific achievements but also for his passion for music. He is an accomplished pianist and has often expressed that music provides him with a creative outlet outside of his scientific work. He is married and has two children.

== See Also ==
* [[Quantum Optics]]
* [[Laser Spectroscopy]]
* [[Nobel Prize in Physics]]
* [[Balzan Prize]]

[[Category:Physicists]]
[[Category:Nobel laureates]]
[[Category:German scientists]]