To realize the tasks of Prof. Baltuškas group to build an ultrafast laser - which is needed during the experiments of Prof. Schumms group to look at transitions of the Thorium-229 nucleus – the two research teams had to move important lab equipment.
So, on Monday, November 18th, 2024, the scientists put all their precious devices from the setup at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Braunschweig, Germany into boxes to move them to the location of the Photonics Institute of the TU Wien, Austria. That is the very setup that was used for the first laser excitation of a thorium nucleus!
Not an easy task to finish, since our researchers have to be extremely careful with the very sensitive equipment in the lab, while at the same time needing some heavy lifting machinery to move other parts of the laser setup.
That meant a lot of different steps from disassembly to installation, like putting sensitive apparatus parts in foam material-covered boxes, removing laboratory doors so equipment can fit through, and even using a crane for part of the transport.
After a long day of work, our research groups were happy that all the equipment was moved successfully so the next stage of experiments can begin. We’re happy to give you a behind-the-scenes view of this busy day in the life of our physicists!
