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Gert Viertel ✝
Particle Physics (IPA)
![Prof. Dr. Gert Viertel](/news-and-events/d-phys-news/2019/08/gert-viertel/_jcr_content/pageimages/imageSmall.imageformat.contentteaser.1317300631.jpg)
Prof. Dr. Gert Viertel, retired ETH professor of physics, passed away on 31 July 2019, at the age of 76.
Towards an ‘orrery’ for quantum gauge theory
Institute for Quantum Electronics (IQE)
![Peierls phases](/news-and-events/d-phys-news/2019/08/towards-an-orrery-for-quantum-gauge-theory/_jcr_content/pageimages/imageSmall.imageformat.contentteaser.1190045859.jpg)
The group of Tilman Esslinger has developed a new approach to engineer quantized gauge fields coupled to ultracold matter. The method might be the basis for a versatile platform to tackle problems ranging from condensed-matter to high-energy physics.
How light steers electrons in metals
Institute for Quantum Electronics (IQE)
![Setup and the interaction of a short laser pulse with the lattice of titanium atoms](/news-and-events/d-phys-news/2019/08/how-light-steers-electrons-in-metals/_jcr_content/pageimages/imageSmall.imageformat.contentteaser.1964613008.png)
ETH physicists have measured how electrons in so-called transition metals get redistributed within a fraction of an optical oscillation cycle. They observed the electrons getting concentrated around the metal atoms within less than a femtosecond. This regrouping might influence important macroscopic properties, such as electrical conductivity, magnetization or optical characteristics. The work therefore suggests a route to controlling these properties on extremely fast time scales.