In memory of our colleague Dr Andreas Gaupp
We mourn the loss of our former colleague Dr Andreas Gaupp who passed away far too soon on 8 October 2026 at the age of 78. With his passing, we have lost a brilliant thinker, a valued colleague and a mentor who, over the decades, had a decisive influence on the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and the synchrotron radiation community.
Andreas Gaupp was recognised worldwide as an expert in the generation of synchrotron radiation in storage rings and free-electron lasers (FELs). His expertise, in particular, on how to generate and optimise the radiation using undulators and monochromators was highly valued. His work on the polarisation characterisation of undulators remains of inestimable value to a large user community worldwide.
His PhD at the Free University of Berlin, for which he received the Otto Klung Prize, was followed in 1980 by a year of research at Stanford University in John Madey’s group. It was here that the world’s first FEL had been successfully commissioned four years earlier.
Upon his return from the USA, Andreas Gaupp worked on a DFG-funded project to evaluate the possibilities of a storage-ring-based FEL at the new BESSY storage ring. In 1985, he became a permanent member of staff at BESSY. From then on, he worked equally in the fields of undulator development and beam characterisation, particularly polarimetry. In 1991, the world’s first crossed undulator was completed and successfully installed at BESSY. This type of undulator allows the generation of either horizontally/vertically linear or elliptical/circular radiation, opening up new experimental possibilities.
From 1985 to 1998, Andreas Gaupp was also responsible for compiling the BESSY annual reports. During this time, he gained a comprehensive overview of the scientific work and the spectroscopic requirements of BESSY users. He played a key role in the two BESSY II studies on the scientific case and technical implementation (1886, 1989), which formed an essential prerequisite for the construction of the successor machine, BESSY II. Alongside these tasks, he made a significant contribution to the development of polarimetry using multilayer optics for the soft X-ray range, thereby setting global standards.
Andreas Gaupp was extremely helpful, a good listener, and made time for staff, PhD students and user groups; he was indispensable to social cohesion at BESSY. He served with great dedication as a staff representative on the Supervisory Board for many years.
His regular cello performances with the Schöneberg Symphony Orchestra (SOS) provided him with the inner peace and balance he needed for new creative endeavours over many years.
After his retirement in 2013, Andreas Gaupp continued to devote himself with great enthusiasm to the commissioning and optimisation of the sophisticated EMIL double-beam tube at BESSY II, in particular the double-crystal monochromator. He found it a great loss that, over the last two years, he was no longer able to continue working with the desired intensity due to health reasons.
With the passing of Andreas Gaupp, we have lost an outstanding scientist and teacher who was highly regarded internationally. We shall greatly miss his inexhaustible curiosity, his constant interest in new developments and his enthusiasm.
Our thoughts are with his family – his wife, his three daughters and eight grandchildren.
Book of Condolences
Here you have the opportunity to sign a book of condolences. Your message of condolence will be published on this page under your name – usually within one to two working days. Please send an email containing:
- your message of condolence (in German or English)
- your name and your affiliation
- to: redaktion@helmholtz-berlin.de
Condolences
"Andreas, you were the sort of colleague one could only wish for! A brilliant scientist with whom I could discuss any topic relating to my own work and the HZB, and a warm, honest and friendly person! I miss our little chats."
Professor Dr Andreas Jankowiak, HZB
***
"I came to know Andreas as a truly friendly and helpful person who was happy to share his knowledge in a way that was easy to understand. He will always be remembered as impressively competent and kind. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues!"
Wolfgang Bremsteller (SE-AID, EMIL-Lab)
***
"I knew Andreas from the BESSY I days. Throughout those nearly 40 years, he was, to me, an exceptionally pleasant and much-valued colleague. He worked in the field of undulator design and construction, whilst I was responsible for beam dynamics at the storage ring – in particular, the interaction between the electron beam and the undulators. Whenever I had technical questions, I could always rely on his vast expertise and willingness to help. He had a special ability to explain even complex physical concepts in a clear and accessible way. Discussing matters with him was always a great enrichment for me. I greatly appreciated his patient, approachable manner and the opportunity to discuss difficult questions with him. I shall miss him greatly, both as a colleague and as a person.”
Godehard Wüstefeld, former colleague at HZB in the MLS and BESSY II storage ring divisions.
***
“We will always associate Andreas with his infectious enthusiasm for physics and music, as well as his sometimes remarkably forgiving understanding of his fellow human beings’ quirks. Andreas Gaupp was a leading figure – both in professional and personal matters. ‘You’ll have to ask Andreas Gaupp’ is a phrase we still hear around here. We were truly spoilt. Even years after his official retirement, Andreas was still there for us. Andreas, we will miss you so much!”
Atoosa Meseck, HZB
***
"Andreas Gaupp made many experiments possible for me as a user, particularly during my time as a young scientist with big plans. I have fond memories of his optimism, his willingness to help and the wealth of good advice he was always ready to give. It is sad that he is no longer with us."
Uwe Hergenhahn, Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society
***
"Andreas, take care. It’s not easy to lose someone like you – always approachable and open-minded. Whether at the goods reception or in the storage ring. I’ve known you since 1998. Rest in peace; you’ve earned it."
Susen Bredereke, HZB
***
"I had the great pleasure of working with Andreas when I started at HZB in EMIL. His enthusiasm for his work was infections. He was extremely encouraging to me as a junior staff member and I am truly grateful for his time spent talking with me and teaching me. I send my sincere condolences to his family and friends."
Will Smith (WI-AOS)
***
"Dear Andreas, I will never forget our excellent collaboration on the design of the first undulators for BESSY II. When I joined the PTB in Berlin in 1993, I was given a very warm welcome into your undulator design group, where I learnt a great deal and experienced a wonderful sense of camaraderie. Thank you for the many years of excellent and trusting collaboration."
Roman Klein, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
***