Our vision of advancing ultrafast metrology and its applications offers job opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral fellows. You can send your application (including your CV) to the group leader of any research area that matches your interests and skills.

Our team members benefit from the access to a world-class infrastructure, a substantial amount of know-how present in our very diverse group, as well as from various carrier-development opportunities offered by the Max Planck Society and the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. In return, we expect our new colleagues to be willing to take on ambitious projects, accepting the risks that are unavoidable at the forefront of basic research.

  • attosecond spectroscopy 2.0
    M.Sc. // Spectral broadening and self-compression towards sub-cycle pulses

    This master's thesis project involves the characterization of spectral broadening and temporal compression of near-infrared pulses, from the 30-fs transform limit to sub-10 fs durations.

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    By exploring the nonlinear dynamics within various solid-state media, the project aims to gain insights into their behavior under high-intensity laser conditions and understand how these dynamics scale with pulse energy. Additionally, the project seeks to optimize the processes involved in spectral broadening, with a focus on achieving stability and optimizing output pulse duration. This research opportunity offers a chance to contribute to the field of laser physics, uncover fundamental aspects of spectral broadening, and pave the way for advancements in ultrafast laser applications.

    Only students enrolled at the LMU will be considered.

    Contact:
    Dr. Nicholas Karpowicz
    Email: nicholas.karpowicz@mpq.mpg.de

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  • Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics / Ultrafast Nanophotonics
    M.Sc. // Supercontinuum Generation of a High-Power 2.1 μm Laser Source and Subsequent Pulse Compression

    The HORUS (high-power OPCPA system for high repetition rate ultrafast spectroscopy) laser has been developed by our group at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics and is one of the most powerful short-wavelength-infrared optical parametric chirped pulse amplifiers (OPCPA) in the world providing pulses with sub 20 fs (20x1015s) duration and up to 4 mJ of energy.

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    Our goal is to use this laser source for the generation of isolated soft-X-ray pulses for ultrafast spectroscopy and field sampling at the HORUS beamline system. For the generation of isolated soft-X-ray pulses, we are aiming for further nonlinear spectral broadening and compression close to the single-cycle regime of the laser pulses. By using these pulses, amplitude gating for high-harmonic generation will be feasible.

    Tasks for this Master Thesis Project

    1. Implementation and characterization of a fiber broadening system in the lab for the supercontinuum generation;
    2. Compression and characterization of the output pulses;
    3. Simulations of the non-linear propagation of light for the supercontinuum generation;

    Contact:
    Dr. Thomas Nubbemeyer
    Email: thomas.nubbemeyer@mpq.mpg.de

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  • LMU / MPQ / broadband infrared diagnostics
    M.Sc. // Investigating spectroscopic workflows in human blood analysis

    For master students of Physics, Biophysics, Statistical Physics or related:

    The Broadband Infrared Diagnostics (BIRD) group, at the Chair of Experimental Physics at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) and the Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) is combining femtosecond laser-based technologies, and molecular spectroscopy with computational data analyses for developing novel molecular infrared fingerprinting techniques to probe human health.

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    BIRD Master

    Dynamic and highly interdisciplinary team of physicists, data scientists, biologists and clinical personnel are working together towards the application of infrared spectroscopy for molecular medicine and diagnostics. In particular, minuscule changes in the molecular makeup left in the blood trail are used to capture and characterize health and disease in human population (www.attoworld.de/bird)

    We have an opening for a master thesis project which will evaluate spectroscopic workflows and a data-science related topic analysing measured spectroscopic data. Our aim is to study the diagnostic capacity of spectroscopic profiling by analysing the infrared molecular fingerprints of human blood plasma. Tasks will focus on analysing how different workflows and deviations from a standardized protocol can lead to variations in the captured spectral measurements. If interested, please do get in touch with us: Dr. Mihaela Zigman (mihaela.zigman@mpq.mpg.de) and Tarek Eissa (tarek.eissa@physik.uni-muenchen.de) and talk to us about the possibility!
    Our group is based at the Research Center in Garching (Forschungszentrum Garching, Section Physics of LMU, Am Coulombwall 1, 85748 Garching), which is easily accessible by public transport.

    Required qualifications:

    1. strong academic record ;
    2. interest in medical applications;
    3. basic knowledge in biophysics/physical chemistry;
    4. basic knowledge in statistics/data analytics

    Contact:
    Dr. Mihaela Zigman
    mihaela.zigman@mpq.mpg.de
    Tarek Eissa
    tarek.eissa@physik.uni-muenchen.de

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  • field-resolved infrared spectroscopy
    Post-Doc // Ultrafast field-resolved infrared spectroscopy for biosensing (m/f/d)

    In a joint effort, the Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich and the Max-Planck Institute for Quantum Optics and the Center for Molecular Fingerprinting Research (CMF), combine cutting-edge femtosecond laser technologies [1-3] with novel molecular fingerprinting techniques [4-6] to advance a new type of mid-infrared spectroscopy on the electric-field level. The novel systems are developed and utilized by a highly interdisciplinary team of physicists, data scientists, biologists and clinical personal to identify, via minuscule variations in the infrared response of human blood samples, medical conditions such as cancer.

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    FRIS PostDoc

    The successful candidate will join the field-resolved infrared spectroscopy team at the attoworld in Garching, Germany (www.attoworld.de/fris), to develop next-generation instruments based on bright, coherent, broadband mid-infrared sources and field-resolved detection. The goal for this position is to optimize the sensitivity, with which the electric-field response of a biological can be detected and separated from the excitation pulse. The duration of the position is initially 2 years, with the possibility of extension.

    Qualifications and Skills:

    1. Excellent PhD in physics or a related discipline.;
    2. Experience with ultrafast lasers and nonlinear optics;
    3. Ideally, experience with infrared and/or nonlinear spectroscopies;
    4. Strong self-motivation and the ability to solve problems independently;
    5. Interest in interdisciplinary work with interface to biomedical applications;
    6. Good command of the English language.

    We offer:

    1. Become part of the attoworld - a team of outstanding experts in ultrafast laser development, attosecond physics, ultrasensitive metrology and advanced multilayer coatings;
    2. Access to the latest technologies, state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment;
    3. Excellent research and working conditions;
    4. Supportive, highly motivated, and multi-disciplinary team;
    5. Pleasant working atmosphere with many learning opportunities;
    6. Open-minded, inspiring, dynamic and international atmosphere;
    7. Personal and professional training opportunities.

    References:

    [1] N. Nagl et al., Opt. Lett. 44, 2390 (2019).
    [2] P. Steinleitner, N. Nagl, M. Kowalczyk et al., Nat. Photon., 16, 512 (2022).
    [3] M. Kowalczyk, N. Nagl, P. Steinleitner et al., Optica, doi 10.1364/OPTICA.481673
    [4] I. Pupeza et al., Nature Photon. 9, 721 (2015).
    [5] I. Pupeza et al., Nature 577, 52 (2020).
    [6] A. Weigel et al., Opt. Expr. 29, 20747 (2021).

    Please send a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position, your CV and the contact information of two references to Dr. Alexander Weigel.

    Contact:
    Dr. Alexander Weigel
    Email: alexander.weigel@mpq.mpg.de

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  • LMU / MPQ / broadband infrared diagnostics
    Job Announcement // Biotechnologist

    Are you passionate about advancing medical diagnostics through innovative technologies? The Broadband Infrared Diagnostics (BIRD) group (www.attoworld.de/bird), located at the Chair of Experimental Physics at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) and the Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ), is at the forefront of combining laser physics with molecular medicine.

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    About Us: The BIRD group merges femtosecond laser-based technologies, molecular spectroscopy, and complex organic matter analysis to pioneer new strategies for probing human health and detecting cancer. Our dynamic, interdisciplinary team consists of physicists, physical chemists, data scientists, molecular biologists, and clinical specialists dedicated to applying infrared spectroscopy to molecular medicine and diagnostics.

    Position Overview:
    We are currently seeking a skilled and motivated biotechnologist to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing various sample processing, analytical chromatographic, and spectroscopic workflows. The goal is to integrate complex biological sample processing with spectroscopic profiling for high-throughput infrared fingerprinting.

    Required qualifications:

    1. BSc/MSc background in biotechnology, analytical and organic chemistry, biophysics, or related fields in molecular and life sciences;
    2. Prior experience with either infrared spectroscopy, liquid chromatographyand/or mass spectrometry is a plus;
    3. Enthusiasm for applying the latest developments in laser physics to advance medical probing for the benefit of human health.

    Responsibilities:

    1. Operation of infrared spectroscopic devices and chromatographic systems;
    2. Collaborate with a diverse team to design and implement cutting-edge analytical workflows;
    3. Contribute to the development of high-throughput molecular profiling techniques;
    4. Utilize your expertise in biotechnology to enhance our capabilities in molecular medicine.

    We offer:

    1. Initial two-year term with the possibility of extension;
    2. Location: Research Center Garching, Section Physics of LMU, Am Coulombwall 1, 85748 Garching;
    3. Easily accessible by public transport;
    4. Dynamic and friendly work environment;
    5. Also possible in part-time capacity;
    6. People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

    Explore the intersection of biotechnology and cutting-edge laser physics at the department that just received recognition by the Nobel Prize in 2023 to our director – join our team and make a lasting impact on the future of medical diagnostics!

    Learn more about our work:
    www.attoworld.de/bird
    www.lasers4life.de

    Please send your complete application (CV, certificates, list of publications, letter of motivation and two references/reference letters) by email (single pdf file not exceeding 10MB) until March 15th, 2024.

    Contact:

    Dr. Mihaela Zigman
    mihaela.zigman@mpq.mpg.de

    Dr. Frank Fleischmann
    frank.fleischmann@physik.uni-muenchen.de

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  • attosecond spectroscopy 2.0
    M.Sc. // High sensitivity field-resolved metrology of optical waveforms

    The focus of this project is to investigate the application of the novel Generalized Heterodyne Optical Sampling Technique (GHOST)1 in an unexplored spectral range.

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    Specifically, we aim to examine the spectral response and signal-to-noise ratio of GHOST when utilizing 2.3-μm pulses to probe optical waveforms. By conducting meticulous experiments and data analysis/simulations, the student will seek to gain valuable insights into the performance and limitations of GHOST in this spectral range, paving the way for its potential applications in optical waveform characterization. This research opportunity offers an exciting chance to contribute to the advancement of optical measurement techniques, and explore uncharted territories in field-resolved metrology.

    References:

    [1] D. Zimin et al., Science Advances, eade1029 (2022).

    Contact:
    Apl. Prof. Dr. Vladislav Yakovlev
    Email: vladislav.yakovlev@mpq.mpg.de

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  • field-resolved infrared spectroscopy
    M.Sc. // Far-infrared and terahertz laser spectroscopy of biomolecules

    Our team (www.attoworld.de/fris) uses ultrashort infrared pulses in combination with a detection technique that is sensitive to the electric field of the mid-infrared light to measure the response of biomolecules to infrared excitation with unprecedented sensitivity.

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    The goal of this master thesis is to study the response of biomolecules like proteins or carbohydrates to longer-wave radiation in the terahertz and far-infrared spectral range. This includes the development of a setup for the generation and measurement of terahertz pulses based on our ultrashort lasers, comparison measurements with commercial infrared spectrometers, and the development of a clear understanding of the observed response signals.

    Contact:
    Dr. Alexander Weigel
    alexander.weigel@mpq.mpg.de

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  • LMU / MPQ / broadband infrared diagnostics
    Ph.D. // Join the cutting-edge of Molecular Profiling

    Are you passionate about advancing medical diagnostics through innovative technologies? The Broadband Infrared Diagnostics (BIRD) group (www.attoworld.de/bird), located at the Chair of Experimental Physics at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) and the Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ), is at the forefront of combining laser physics with molecular medicine.

    more

    About Us: The BIRD group merges femtosecond laser-based technologies, molecular spectroscopy, and complex organic matter analysis to pioneer new strategies for probing human health and detecting cancer. Our dynamic, interdisciplinary team consists of physicists, physical chemists, data scientists, molecular biologists, and clinical specialists dedicated to applying infrared spectroscopy to molecular medicine and diagnostics.

    Position Overview:
    We are currently seeking skilled and motivated students to join our team. In this role, you will be developing and implementing various sample processing, analytical chromatographic, spectroscopic workflows, and chemical modification of human samples to advance molecular profiling in medical testing. The goal is to integrate liquid chromatography and other sample processing steps with spectroscopic profiling for high-throughput infrared molecular fingerprinting.

    Required qualifications:

    1. MSc background in biotechnology, analytical and organic chemistry, biophysics, or related fields in molecular and life sciences;
    2. Enthusiasm for applying the latest developments in laser physics to advance medical probing for the benefit of human health.
    Responsibilities:
    1. Collaborate with a dynamic inter-disciplinary team to design and implement cutting-edge analytical and pre-analytical workflows combined with infrared spectroscopy;
    2. Contribute to the development of high-throughput molecular profiling techniques;
    3. Utilize your expertise to enhance our joint capabilities to probe human health and detect disease.
    Position Details:
    1. Location: Research Center Garching, Faculty of Physics at LMU, Am Coulombwall 1, 85748 Garching;
    2. Easily accessible by public transport.

    Explore the intersection of biotechnology and cutting-edge laser physics at the department that just received recognition by the Nobel Prize in 2023 to our director – join our team and make a lasting impact on the future of medical diagnostics!

    Learn more about our work:
    www.attoworld.de/bird
    www.lasers4life.de

    Contact:

    Dr. Mihaela Zigman
    mihaela.zigman@mpq.mpg.de

    Dr. Frank Fleischmann
    frank.fleischmann@physik.uni-muenchen.de

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  • attosecond spectroscopy 2.0
    M.Sc. // Theoretical investigation of attosecond-scale ionization dynamics

    The nonlinear ionization of matter by an intense laser pulse is a fascinating phenomenon for basic research, and it is also essential for technological applications that involve strong laser fields.

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    In particular, the so-called “lightwave electronics” takes advantage of precisely controlled, ultrafast ionization and photoinjection to push the speed limits of electronics up to the petahertz domain. For such applications, it is essential to know how to confine ionization to a possibly short time interval. Although much research has been done to understand strong-field ionization, new theoretical and experimental approaches provide an exciting opportunity to deepen our understanding of this process. The goal of this theoretical project is to investigate a novel approximation for strong-field ionization using codes such as tRecX and SALMON.

    Contact:
    Apl. Prof. Dr. Vladislav S. Yakovlev
    Email: vladislav.yakovlev@mpq.mpg.de

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  • field-resolved infrared spectroscopy
    M.Sc. // Optimum optical gain medium for ultrafast chromium lasers

    Laser oscillators and amplifiers based on Cr-doped gain crystals have emerged as new sources for extremely short pulses that can be efficiently converted into the mid-infrared spectral range.

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    The goal of this master thesis is to study the influence of the gain medium characteristics on the laser performance. This involves the characterization of laser crystals with different optical and spectroscopic methods, followed by the development of an ultrafast laser test setup based on the gain media. With this demonstration laser, the performance for generating intense pulses with femtosecond duration, high beam quality and stability will be evaluated.

    Contact:
    Dr. Alexander Weigel
    alexander.weigel@mpq.mpg.de

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  • LMU / MPQ / broadband infrared diagnostics
    M.Sc. // Join the cutting-edge of Molecular Profiling II

    Are you passionate about advancing medical diagnostics through innovative technologies? The Broadband Infrared Diagnostics (BIRD) group (www.attoworld.de/bird), located at the Chair of Experimental Physics at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) and the Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ), is at the forefront of combining laser physics with molecular medicine.

    more

    About Us: The BIRD group merges femtosecond laser-based technologies, molecular spectroscopy, and complex organic matter analysis to pioneer new strategies for probing human health and detecting cancer. Our dynamic, interdisciplinary team consists of physicists, physical chemists, data scientists, molecular biologists, and clinical specialists dedicated to applying infrared spectroscopy to molecular medicine and diagnostics.

    Position Overview:
    We are currently seeking skilled and motivated students to join our team. In this role, you will be developing and implementing various sample processing, analytical chromatographic, spectroscopic workflows, and chemical modification of human samples to advance molecular profiling in medical testing. The goal is to integrate liquid chromatography and other sample processing steps with spectroscopic profiling for high-throughput infrared molecular fingerprinting.

    Required qualifications:

    1. BSc background in biotechnology, analytical and organic chemistry, biophysics, or related fields in molecular and life sciences;
    2. Enthusiasm for applying the latest developments in laser physics to advance medical probing for the benefit of human health.
    Responsibilities:
    1. Collaborate with a dynamic inter-disciplinary team to design and implement cutting-edge analytical and pre-analytical workflows combined with infrared spectroscopy;
    2. Contribute to the development of high-throughput molecular profiling techniques;
    3. Utilize your expertise to enhance our joint capabilities to probe human health and detect disease.
    Position Details:
    1. Location: Research Center Garching, Faculty of Physics at LMU, Am Coulombwall 1, 85748 Garching;
    2. Easily accessible by public transport.

    Explore the intersection of biotechnology and cutting-edge laser physics at the department that just received recognition by the Nobel Prize in 2023 to our director – join our team and make a lasting impact on the future of medical diagnostics!

    Learn more about our work:
    www.attoworld.de/bird
    www.lasers4life.de

    Contact:

    Dr. Mihaela Zigman
    mihaela.zigman@mpq.mpg.de

    Dr. Frank Fleischmann
    frank.fleischmann@physik.uni-muenchen.de

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  • field-resolved infrared spectroscopy
    Job Announcement // Laser Engineer (f/m/o)

    Center for Molecular Fingerprinting together with LMU München and Max-Planck Institute of Quantum Optics is developing cutting-edge femtosecond laser technologies to advance electric-field molecular fingerprinting techniques based on field-resolved infrared spectroscopy. The aim is to develop and apply next-generation laser spectrometers for the analysis of human blood samples to detect disease and monitor health.

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    We are looking for a laser engineer to help us transforming the latest research results into a reliable laser-based spectroscopy system with unprecedented performance. The duration of the position is initially 2 years, with the possibility of extension. Location: Laboratory for Extreme Photonics, Am Coulombwall 1a, Garching bei München

    Responsibilities:

    1. Maintenance and technical improvement of mode-locked laser sources (optimizing stability and noise performance, CEP stabilization, repetition rate synchronization);
    2. Handling and characterizing pulsed laser beams (spectrum, pulse duration measurements; spatial mode measurements);
    3. Designing and implementing different optical modules (i.e. pulse broadening and compression, MIR generation, electro-optical sampling, balanced detection, laser amplification);
    4. Supporting other engineers and scientists in laser development and molecular fingerprinting experiments.

    Qualifications and Skills:

    1. Excellent Master’s degree or higher in physics or a related technical discipline;
    2. Hands-on laser/optics laboratory experience (handling optical elements, aligning systems);
    3. Independent problem-solving skills and strong self-motivation;
    4. Experience in data acquisition, processing, analysis and visualization;
    5. Ideally, experience with ultrashort pulses and nonlinear optics;
    6. Ideally, experience with NIR-SWIR-MIR spectral regions;
    7. Ideally, design of complex optical systems.

    We offer:

    1. A broad range of activities in a dynamically evolving second-to-none endeavor and professional environment;
    2. Access to the latest optical technologies and state-of-the-art laboratories;
    3. Long-term opportunity with highly qualified and motivated professionals;
    4. A versatile range of work packages (performance incentives, professional training, guaranteed 30 days of annual vacation days for the whole year);
    5. Work in an international environment and the opportunity for professional development ;
    6. Solution-oriented atmosphere and the opportunity to participate in the success of a dynamic and growing organization.

    Contact:
    Dr. Alexander Weigel
    Email: alexander.weigel@mpq.mpg.de

    CMF www.cmf.hu
    FRIS https://www.attoworld.de/fris

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  • field-resolved infrared spectroscopy
    Post-Doc // Ultrafast field-resolved infrared spectroscopy with enhanced detection (m/f/d)

    In a joint effort, the Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, the Max-Planck Institute for Quantum Optics and the Center for Molecular Fingerprinting Research (CMF) combine cutting-edge femtosecond laser technologies [1-3] with novel electric-field level techniques [4-6] to advance a new type of mid-infrared spectroscopy.

    more

    The unique systems are developed and utilized by a highly interdisciplinary team of physicists, data scientists, biologists and clinical personal to identify, via minuscule variations in the infrared response of human blood samples, medical conditions such as cancer. The successful candidate will work with an international team to develop next-generation spectroscopy instruments based on bright, coherent, broadband infrared sources and field-resolved detection. The goal for this position is to implement novel nonlinear techniques to boost the detection limit to the next level. The duration of the position is initially 2 years, with the possibility of extension. The place of work will be at the LAP in Garching, near Munich (Germany).

    Qualifications and Skills:

    1. Excellent PhD in physics or a related discipline;
    2. Experience with ultrafast lasers and nonlinear optics;
    3. Experience with infrared and/or nonlinear spectroscopy is a plus;
    4. Strong self-motivation and the ability to solve problems independently;
    5. Professional English proficiency.

    We offer:

    1. Stimulating projects with many learning opportunities
    2. Supportive, multi-disciplinary and highly motivated team
    3. Access to the latest optical technologies and state-of-the-art laboratories
    4. Excellent research and working conditions for building your research career

    References:

    [1] N. Nagl et al., Opt. Lett. 44, 2390 (2019).
    [2] P. Steinleitner, N. Nagl, M. Kowalczyk et al., Nat. Photon., 16, 512 (2022).
    [3] M. Kowalczyk, N. Nagl, P. Steinleitner et al., Optica, doi 10.1364/OPTICA.481673
    [4] I. Pupeza et al., Nature Photon. 9, 721 (2015).
    [5] I. Pupeza et al., Nature 577, 52 (2020).
    [6] A. Weigel et al., Opt. Expr. 29, 20747 (2021).

    Please send a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position, your CV and contact information of two references.
    For questions and applications, please contact Dr. Kafai Mak

    Contact:
    Dr. Kafai Mak:
    Email: kafai.mak@mpq.mpg.de

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