Dr. Aldo Ejlli
Location Hannover
Main Focus
My main research focuses on precision laser interferometry and optical metrology for fundamental physics. I work on searches for light dark matter such as axion-like particles, on the detection of vacuum magnetic birefringence as predicted by quantum electrodynamics, and on concepts for the detection of gravitational waves at high frequencies. A central part of this programme is the development of very stable optical cavities, advanced polarimetry and strong noise reduction methods, and the connection between laboratory experiments, astrophysical observations and cosmology.
Curriculum Vitae
I am an experimental physicist in the department of Precision Interferometry and Fundamental Interactions at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in Hannover and at the Institute for Gravitational Physics of Leibniz University Hannover. My work focuses on precision laser interferometry and polarimetry in the laboratory to test fundamental interactions and to search for new physics, in particular light dark matter and effects predicted by quantum electrodynamics in strong magnetic fields.
Before joining AEI, I worked at Cardiff University as a Research Associate in the School of Physics and Astronomy, focusing on a pair of co-located power-recycled Michelson interferometers to search for quantum space-time signatures, high-frequency gravitational waves, and dark-matter candidates. As a member of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) Scientific Collaboration, I contributed to the design and performance testing of ultra-low-noise enhanced-readout electronics for the Advanced LIGO detectors. I previously worked at the University of Ferrara in Italy on the PVLAS experiment for vacuum magnetic birefringence, where I obtained my PhD in Physics. I have experience in the development of high-finesse optical cavities, stable laser systems, low-noise detection schemes, and advanced control of the polarisation state of light, and I contribute to international collaborations such as ALPS II.
At AEI, I lead experimental projects on vacuum magnetic birefringence, compact axion and scalar-field dark matter searches, and concepts for high-frequency gravitational-wave detection. I supervise doctoral and master students, review proposals and articles, and link laboratory experiments with astrophysics, cosmology, and outreach activities.
Publications:
A complete and regularly updated list of my publications is available on Inspire and ADS.