Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

E. Lorenz is a pioneering figure in experimental astroparticle physics, best known for advancing the use of silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs or G-APDs) in ground-based gamma-ray astronomy. Their key research areas include the development of novel Cherenkov telescope technologies and the push toward fully automated, robotic observatory operations. Lorenz led the FACT (First G-APD Cherenkov Telescope) project, which, since becoming operational in October 2011 at La Palma, has been the first telescope to successfully employ silicon photon detectors in place of traditional photomultiplier tubes. This breakthrough demonstrated that SiPMs could deliver stable, high-performance observations, paving the way for next-generation instruments like the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). Beyond hardware innovation, Lorenz’s work achieved a major operational milestone: FACT became the first imaging air Cherenkov telescope to be routinely operated remotely without an on-site crew, a feat that has significantly reduced operational costs and increased observing efficiency. With key papers such as the 2013 status report (8 citations) and the remote operations study (4 citations), Lorenz’s contributions have laid the groundwork for more sensitive, cost-effective, and autonomous gamma-ray observatories.