Dr. Claus Dieter Schröter was born on October 3, 1957, in Tübingen. After studying physics, he received his doctorate in 1995 from the University of Tübingen in the field of relativistic electron collisions for inner-shell ionization. After research stays at the CNR in Rome and the Université Paris XI, he joined Prof. Joachim Ullrich's research group at the University of Freiburg in 1998. There, he designed new experiments, e.g. a source for cold polarized electrons, a field in which he had a wealth of experience. When Ullrich was appointed director of the MPIK, Claus Dieter Schröter moved to Heidelberg in 2001. and was heavily involved in the organisation of the renovation of the laboratories of the former Povh department. With this he played a key role in ensuring that the research of the working group could continue almost seamlessly after the move from Freiburg. After the appointment of Prof. Thomas Pfeifer, he remained active at the forefront of research as a group leader.
He played a leading role in the design and construction of several experimental setups, in particular new reaction microscopes at the MPIK. These were used not only within the division, but also worldwide, for example in Milan, Barcelona, Hamburg, and Stanford, and enabled major scientific discoveries. Thanks to his expertise in the field of ultra-high vacuum technology and his attention to detail, he made a decisive contribution to making the Heidelberg Cryogenic Storage Ring (CSR) a globally unique facility from the start, opening up new avenues in the research of molecular ions.
In close collaboration with other department members, he prepared scientific measurement campaigns at the institute and abroad with the utmost care and thoroughness. He participated in the experiments with extraordinary personal commitment and supported the younger scientists involved with his extensive knowledge and experimental skills. With his conscientious, tireless, unpretentious, and humorous manner, he served as a positive example to all who worked with him. His keen powers of observation were crucial to the success of so many projects, as he was not only able to identify problems early on, but also to solve them with skill and dedication.
Thanks to his vast experience in the field of experimental atomic physics, he was able to oversee new experiments from the initial idea to the detailed design, construction, and operation. His precise and exacting approach to his work earned him the highest recognition and respect from the staff of the design office, the precision engineering workshop, and the institute's operations department. His constant presence on the scientific front at the MPIK contributed much more to the institute's reputation than many people may realize, which was also due to his pronounced modesty. He treated all the employees he encountered with great humanity and always had an open ear for professional and personal matters. In this way, he contributed immensely to the positive working atmosphere and efficiency of the research work at the MPIK.
He was a highly valued co-author on many publications, not only for his planning and execution of experiments and the subsequent data analysis, but also for his precise knowledge of the German language when editing scientific manuscripts. In addition, Claus Dieter Schröter took on many necessary organizational tasks, thereby greatly relieving the work load on his colleagues in the department.
His extensive work and expertise in construction is also particularly noteworthy: he was not only involved in the planning and supervision of the construction of the division's laboratories when they first came to Heidelberg, but was also responsible for the success of the conversion of the accelerator hall into the quantum dynamics laboratory for the use of ultra-short pulse high-power lasers at MPIK.
In addition, Claus-Dieter Schröter went far beyond his actual duties to play a decisive role in ensuring that the joint effort by the University of Hamburg, DESY, the Helmholtz Association, and the MPIK of the Max Planck Society to establish an innovative, interdisciplinary, and interinstitutional research center in Hamburg- the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science (CFEL)- became an outstanding international success. He provided tireless support in the planning, implementation, and supervision of the construction of the futuristic research building, which today is home to more than 300 researchers and enables science at the highest level thanks to its well-designed, excellent infrastructure.
His most complex scientific work was probably the construction of a reaction microscope (ReMi) in the cryogenic storage ring CSR. Here, with the utmost patience, he drove forward a series of experimental developments that transformed the idea of a new instrument for researching an unexplored area (“terra incognita”) of the physics of cold molecular interactions into a functioning technology. The new possibilities this has opened up will enrich research at the institute and beyond for many years to come.
All this and much more distinguished Claus Dieter Schröter: his warmth, helpfulness, and commitment were unique. He connected, guided, and trained people, teams, and groups at all levels and in all areas of life, always hands-on right in the middle of things. He always kept his goal in mind: to get something new up and running and make everything possible. Like a human natural constant for a quarter of a century, without him, the institute and the many people with whom he worked and interacted would not be what they are today. Claus Dieter viewed his time at the institute not only as work, but as a valuable part of his life in the community with his colleagues. Even after his official retirement two years ago, Claus Dieter was very interested in continuing to work with us at the institute, and we were fortunate that this was the case.
Unexpectedly, he suddenly left us with his drive and enthusiasm undiminished. This difficult news hit us hard and plunged us into deep mourning. A huge void has been left in our community, throughout the entire institute. Our thoughts, our sincere condolences, and our wishes for strength go out especially to his wife Katalin, his son Andreas, his parents, siblings, and all his relatives.
Dear Claus Dieter: We miss you so much and will always miss you. At the same time, we are infinitely grateful for everything you have accomplished, connected, made possible, and created! And we know that you live on, not only in our memories. You live on especially in what we have learned from you and what is now part of our lives. You are, were, and will remain to us a wonderful, warm-hearted person and human being. You were not concerned with recognition on the big stage, but took pleasure in making a difference through your crucial work, mostly “behind the scenes,” and seeing the many successes blossom and light up. We firmly believe that you will continue to accompany our joint progress in science, our work, and in our personal lives with your so familiar smile.
Thomas Pfeifer and your colleagues and friends at MPIK
https://www.mpi-hd.mpg.de/mpi/en/research/scientific-divisions-and-groups/quantum-dynamicscontrol
