Advent calendar - December 1st - Foppe de Haan

In the Zernike Institute Advent Calendar, we are presenting 24 short spotlights in December. In these specials, we highlight PhD students, postdocs, and technicians of our research groups - providing a glimpse into their typical day at work. In Episode 1 meet Foppe de Haan.

I am working as a research technician in two groups, the “Optical Condensed Matter Physics” of Prof. Maxim Pchenitchnikov and the “Optical Spectroscopy of Functional Nanosystems” of Prof. Richard Hildner. Both groups use ultrafast laser systems and a variety of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques.

My focus is the technological aspect of our research. This includes equipment maintenance, instructing new students, fixing things or having it fixed, (helping to) implement new experimental setups etc. etc. Besides this, I am also writing software for data acquisition and data analysis and I am handling all orders for both groups.

Quite often my work boils down to these questions I get : “Do we have…?”, “How can I ….?” and “It does not work…!”.

It is an interesting job. Lots of very sophisticated equipment and many opportunities for me to tackle interesting technological challenges. Having a background in physical chemistry and over 30 years of experience gives me a good understanding of what is needed.

In addition, I really like working at the university. It is a very lively and energetic environment. And working with all those young and highly motivated people also keeps me young myself.

Contact: Foppe de Haan