Welcome to the Lasers and Cavities group!

We are a group dedicated to optics and the development of highly stable laser systems and optical cavities for cutting-edge experiments. A central part of our work is laser systems for gravitational wave detectors, which demand exceptional frequency, power, and spatial stability. One of our major achievements was the construction and implementation of the Virgo detector laser system, led by Walid Chaibi.

We also conduct fundamental research in quantum optics and optomechanics. Our unique facility for fabricating tiny suspended pendulum mirrors enables studies of quantum radiation pressure, generation of bright squeezed light, and investigations of parametric instabilities in optical cavities. These efforts are closely connected to gravitational wave detection and more broadly to precision measurement and quantum technologies.

Our lab is located at the beautiful Mont-Gros site at the Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur in Nice, France. We enjoy working at the intersection of instrumentation and fundamental physics, and we are happy to welcome students, postdoctoral researchers, and collaborators!

Opportunity for post-doctoral position! 

The IdEx Université Côte d'Azur is launching the 2026 Young Researcher Excellence Fellowships campaign to encourage the recruitment of young researchers at post-doctoral level for a 24-month period. 

Please send an email to marina.trad-nery@oca.eu until the end of February 2026 if you are interested on applying for this position at our group.

More information of the position: https://univ-cotedazur.fr/universite/idex/appels-a-projets/call-for-postdoc-2026-young-researcher-excellence-fellowships-projects