Wolfgang Sandner, born in 1949, studied physics at Freiburg
University, Germany. After his PhD in atomic physics he turned to
laser spectroscopy as a research associate at SRI International in
Menlo Park, USA (1979-1981). After 1985 he held professor positions
in Würzburg and Freiburg (Germany) before accepting a chair as
Full Professor at the University of Tennessee, USA in 1991. Since
1993 he holds the position as Director of the Max Born Instiute for
Non-linear Optics and Short-Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI) in Berlin
Adlershof, and since 1994 a concurrent appointment as Professor of
Physics at the Technical University of Berlin.
Prof. Sandner’s professional interests focus on basic
research in light-matter-interaction at highest intensities, the
development and application of short-pulse, high-power lasers, and
on laser-based UV- and X-ray research. The main research topics
include relativistic plasma dynamics, X-ray lasers, and nonlinear
ionization dynamics in strong fields. In applied research he has
led MBI groups to become prime collaboration partners for the
accelerator, synchrotron and FEL communities in photo-cathode and
pump-probe laser development. He is co-initiator of a regional
network between SME’s and research institutions on UV- and
X-ray technologies, pursuing product-oriented projects and
long-term strategic initiatives.
W. Sandner is author of more than 200 refereed scientific
publications and has organised major international conferences in
1996, 1998, 1999, 2001. In 1996 he was appointed “Fellow of
the American Physical Society”. W. Sandner holds honorary
positions in optical sciences, including editorial and refereeing
functions and current expert appointments in scientific evaluation
committees. He is member of the Programme Board on “Optical
Technologies” within the German Federal Ministry of Education
and Research, Board Member (Past President) of the German
Scientific Laser Society and co-founder and Board Member of the
regional network OpTecBB.
At the European level Prof. Sandner has for several years been
Co-ordinator of EU-based laser networks, currently
“LASERLAB-EUROPE” in the 6th Framework
Programme, comprising 17 of the largest European institutes in
laser-based basic. In 1995, he was chair of an EU study panel in
preparation of research infrastructure programmes. His institute is
involved in numerous research collaborations at the national, EU-
and world-wide level.
