In his research, Andrea Trabattoni investigates the photo-induced electron dynamics in matter, with particular emphasis on atoms, molecules, and nanosystems. During his doctorate in physics at Politecnico di Milano in Italy, he became interested in this specialised research field. "Here, I started to use attosecond laser pulses to image the ultrafast movement of electrons inside biologically relevant molecules for the first time – and am still fascinated by the many possibilities this application offers." [something like that; please adjust the text accordingly]
His research contributions were honoured several times: In 2016, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awarded him with a Humboldt Research Fellowship, and Trabattoni started to work at DESY (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchroton) in Hamburg. There, he disclosed the motion of electrons around molecules during the interaction with ultra-intense laser fields and became the team leader of the Attosecond group from 2018 to 2021.
In 2021, he received funding from the Helmholtz Young Investigator Groups scheme and built a new research group at DESY to disclose the photo-induced electron dynamics involved in nuclear transitions in atoms.
Joining Leibniz University Hannover as a junior professor
In 2022, Trabattoni accepted a call as a junior professor at Leibniz University and joined PhoenixD. "The recruitment of Prof. Dr. Trabattoni is the first joint appointment with DESY in experimental sciences", says Uwe Morgner, spokesperson and member of the PhoenixD board. "The bridge to DESY formed by his appointment is of particular strategic importance for PhoenixD and LUH", says Morgner.
An ERC Starting Grant allowed Trabattoni to start a research project to develop a novel technology for the ultrafast noninvasive imaging of molecular interfaces. A work he will continue to pursue in his new role as Group Leader at DESY and as associate Professor in Ultrafast Photoelectron Science at LUH.
His focus on the photo-interactions of atoms and molecules ideally complements the research on optical technologies conducted by PhoenixD's groups, particularly with Prof. Dr. Uwe Morgner, Prof. Dr. Milutin Kovacev, Prof. Dr. Antonio Calà Lesina (computational photonics), and Dr. Andreas Wienke (optical coatings) at Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.
Though appointed at LUH, Trabattoni continues to conduct research at DESY: "I complement my research on photo-induced electron dynamics in matter with the unique table-top and large-scale facilities accessible in Hamburg. The Synchrotron Petra, the FELs FLASH, and the European XFEL represent a unique opportunity to study the quantum control of matter at unprecedented levels."
Working and living in Germany
"Germany offers a unique scientific scene in Europe, with a network of research centres and universities devoted to performing cutting-edge research and attacking societal challenges", says Trabattoni. "Germany is one of the few countries worldwide that invests consistent resources in science and research. This unique framework is important for developing novel technologies and educating students on the importance of science and research in shaping the world in the future." Students at LUH can learn from and with Trabattoni in the winter and summer semesters of 2024/25. He teaches the fundamental mechanisms governing the interaction between light and matter in the "Optical Radiometry" (together with Prof. Milutin Kovacev) and "Advanced Nonlinear Optics" courses.
Living in Germany comes with some old jokes for Trabattoni. His first name, Andrea, is feminine in German, and people regularly address him as "Frau Trabattoni" [Mrs Trabattoni]. And, of course, the Germans still remember the famous last words of the Italian football trainer Giovanni Trapattoni. "I regularly hear phrases like Ich habe fertig [I am done], and Flasche leer [bottle is empty], says Trabattoni with a laugh.
Combining professional and private life
Physics is not Trabattoni's sole interest. He learnt to play classical guitar and viola at an early age and conducted choirs and orchestras. He initially chose to study music before switching to physics. What he learned about making music together can now be applied in his research group and when supervising students: "As a conductor, I learnt how important it is to harmonise different voices and personalities," says Trabattoni. "Above all, however, I have learnt that listening is often much more important than speaking and giving instructions."
Recently, Trabattoni started exploring novel methods to extend – for the first time – the study of photo-induced electron dynamics to atomic nuclei. He is also developing a novel ultrafast spectroscopy for the noninvasive imaging of interfaces and surfaces. "Being driven by passion with my job is a privilege", says Trabattoni. However, he also knows hectic workdays. "I remind myself that my job, although thrilling and stimulating, is only a small part of my life. Music, friends, meditation, and especially my family are the core of my existence and keep me in equilibrium." His advice to young scientists is simple: "Be confident about your potential, but at the same time also humble", says Trabattoni. "In research, especially experimental science, one faces 99 per cent failures and one per cent success. However, that one per cent can really make the difference."
