Donation from ETH Zurich strengthens European collaboration in ultrafast photonics research
The donation will support ongoing research at the Optoelectronics Research Centre and be expanded for wider use at the Photonics Laboratory. The estimated value of the equipment, if purchased new, is approximately 500,000 €.
The donation continues a long-standing collaboration between the research teams of Professors Ursula Keller (ETH) and Mircea Guina (ENS), focused on advancing semiconductor-based ultrafast laser technologies in the SWIR range. Their cooperation has already resulted in several influential publications, enabling the transfer of knowledge and expertise from ETH Zurich to the University of Tampere following Professor Keller's recent retirement. This ensures the continuity of this specialised field of research in Europe.
“We deeply appreciate Professor Keller’s generous donation and the long-term scientific collaboration that it represents. This transfer strengthens Tampere University’s role as a leading European hub for semiconductor laser and ultrafast optics research. It also highlights how collaboration across institutions can sustain world-class research infrastructures and create opportunities for young scientists,” notes Professor Martti Kauranen, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences.
The donation coincides with a significant event in this collaboration: the upcoming public defence of Maximilian C. Schuchter, who is completing a joint PhD at ETH Zurich and Tampere University. His doctoral dissertation, “GaSb-based semiconductor devices for optically pumped lasers – from saturable absorbers to membrane lasers,” will be publicly examined on the 16 October at Tampere University.
