What are your research topics?
I study laser spectroscopy, which is based on measuring light–matter interactions at different wavelengths of light. Laser spectroscopy can be used, for example, to identify different molecules with the help of spectra specific to them, their ‘fingerprints’ as it were. Typically, we are developing methods for measuring gaseous matter.
Where and how does the topic of your research have an impact?
Basic research in laser spectroscopy produces fundamental knowledge of the interaction of light and matter as well as, for example, the structures of molecules. At the same time, laser spectroscopy enables us to measure compounds occurring in low concentrations in the air, such as air pollutants. The detectable concentrations can be as low as thousandths of a billionth. Typical applications include measurements of air quality and atmospheric composition.
What is particularly inspiring in your field right now?
The advances made in recent years have made it possible to pursue the theoretical limits set by nature for the speed and precision of spectroscopic measurements. However, bringing the new methods into practical applications, such as monitoring the atmosphere, still requires a great deal of work. There are still many unsolved and fascinating problems in the field of basic research too. In our new project funded by the Research Council of Finland, we are investigating ways to modify laser light so that we can increasingly freely tailor light–matter interactions or spectroscopy techniques for specific purposes.