Hänsch Prize in Quantum Optics goes to Victoria Xu at MIT

Victoria Xu_Optica

Image: Courtesy of Optica

Today the Optica Foundation has announced that Victoria Xu, postdoctoral scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research - LIGO Laboratory, USA, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Theodor W. Hänsch Prize in Quantum Optics. Xu is recognized for her contributions using quantum optics to fundamentally improve metrology via large-scale interferometers and advanced gravitational wave detection.

We are proud to sponsor this prize, along with partners Hamamatsu Photonics and Thorlabs, to support Xu’s career and her pioneering research. Michael Mei, Co-founder and Managing Director of Menlo Systems, commented “[We] are thrilled to support the committee’s decision to recognize the tremendous potential of Victoria Xu at MIT and LIGO. Her focus on precision and quantum metrology and commissioning new quantum technologies into large-scale use for gravitational wave detection will advance quantum optics, astrophysics and our understanding of the universe.”

Prof. Theodor Hänsch himself said “Congratulations on the successful launch of the new prize! I am thrilled to hear that so many talented and highly qualified young researchers have applied. Please accept my warmest congratulations to the first winner, Victoria Xu. This recognition is truly well-deserved and I hope it serves as a springboard for a highly successful scientific career, leading to many more important discoveries in the future.”

Link to the Optica press release