Theodor Wolfgang Hänsch (born 30 October 1941) is a German physicist. He received one fourth of the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics for “contributions to the development of laser-based precision spectroscopy, including the optical frequency comb technique”, sharing the prize with John L. Hall and Roy J. Glauber. Hänsch is Director of the Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik (quantum optics) and Professor of experimental physics and laser spectroscopy at the Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. He was awarded the Comstock Prize in Physics from the National Academy of Sciences in 1983.

After his visit to Azerbaijan, Dr. Thomas Hänsch pointed out that “It has been a moving experience to visit the historic Villa Petrolea in Baku, Azerbaijan, and to be reminded so vividly of the gigantic philanthropic achievements of the Nobel family.”

He also endorsed Philip Nobel, President of the Nobel International Academy, for his actions and ambitions of the Academy. “With your creation of the Nobel International Academy you are continuing this proud family tradition. By offering opportunities for education to students and scholars from all over the world, you are pursuing an enlightened goal which is most important for the future of mankind and our planet.” (Professor Theodor W. Hänsch)

We are very proud to be endorsed for our activities and continuing efforts that will open the door to education for students and scholars from all over the world.

Photo: Dr. Theodor W. Hänsch, professor at Max-Planck Institute of Quantum Optics at Ludwig-Maximilian’s University in Munich, Germany, speaks to a packed PHYS 112 on Oct. 31.