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
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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
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"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)
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"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.
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“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
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"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
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"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
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"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)
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"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
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“Dear Andreas, it has been a great pleasure working with you. Your optimism has always brought a smile to my face, and your enthusiasm and thoroughness have constantly inspired and motivated me. Thank you for always being willing to help me and answer my questions. I will miss you very much.”
Dr Mihaela Gorgoi, SE-AID, EMIL, HZB
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“I’ve known Andreas since the early days at BESSY I in Wilmersdorf, where I set up and maintained the X-ray microscopy beamlines. I always valued Andreas as a cheerful source of advice in many respects. Later, during the BESSY II era, I have fond memories of, amongst other things, the frequent lively discussions – covering both physics and political science – we’d have on the S-Bahn journey between Lichterfelde and Adlershof and back. Andreas left us far too soon.”
Dr Peter Guttmann, former colleague at the HZB in the X-ray microscopy group
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“Who is going to explain synchrotron radiation, undulators, FELs and the world in general to us now? Andreas was so brilliant at doing just that, whatever your level of expertise. For us beginners in the early days of BESSY II, he was always like a big brother, both professionally and personally! I will miss him terribly.”
Gerd Reichardt, HZB
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“Dear Andreas, when I joined BESSY in 1982 as a FUB PhD student, you were already there, and had already devoted yourself with great enthusiasm to exploring ways of increasing the brilliance of the brand-new dedicated SR source at BESSY. Later, I learnt the ins and outs of undulator construction from you during the ‘Crossed Undulator’ project and the preparations for BESSY II. Your subsequent synchrotron radiation-related diagnostic work, carried out very close to the experiment (e.g. polarimetry), was extremely valuable for optimising the entire system, from the electron source to the sample. Your direct contact with users always ensured swift and reliable feedback on undulator construction and operation. I shall greatly miss the fascinating and creative discussions we had, not only on physics but also on current political, cultural and personal topics. I shall always remember you as a creative mind and as an optimistic and endearing person.”
Johannes Bahrdt, former colleague of Andreas at BESSY and HZB.
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Andreas and I started working at BESSY at almost the same time. What a magnificent world you have created around the generation, characterisation and application of synchrotron radiation since you began your career at BESSY in 1985, initially as a PR officer! Physics never let you go, right up until your far too early death. During every phone call over the last few months – when I’d actually only meant to arrange a date for a pensioners’ get-together at the HZB – you’d have an urgent physics-related topic that you wanted to discuss at length. Even in retirement, we successfully tamed the EMIL beamline monster together; you were often happy to take on the Saturday and Sunday beam times to understand and commission the somewhat stubborn DCM. You played a key role in further developing polarimetry in the soft X-ray range. The beam times were always exciting highlights of our work. Our rather different approaches worked synergistically here. You had an eye for detail and a dedication to it; you knew every micrometre of the polarimeter personally.
I listened with great pleasure to your concerts with the Schöneberg Symphony Orchestra. You’d already provided us with an inspiring explanation of your pieces of music in the invitation email. Thank you for allowing me to work with you and for letting me benefit from your enthusiasm and ability to inspire others. Farewell, Andreas!
Franz Schäfers, former colleague of Andreas at BESSY and HZB.
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Andreas was someone for whom ‘BESSY problems’ were not a problem, but rather a challenge to explore various possibilities and find the ‘best’ solution from them. He was always open-minded and, as part of the BESSY team, was able to discuss his colleagues’ suggestions impartially and with a sense of humour, in order to achieve the best outcome from such discussions. This contributed greatly to the success of the storage ring facilities, BESSY I and BESSY II. Andreas was not ‘just’ an intelligent physicist, but also a very humorous and dedicated colleague who loved to join in, whether in the laboratory or on BESSY outings. Whether it was football, picnics or group trips, he was always in good spirits. I miss him.
William Peatman, former colleague of Andreas at BESSY I and HZB
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For Andreas, his passion for research and science also meant supporting external users during their measurement sessions and helping young colleagues settle into their roles. Andreas had a profound influence on me, both professionally and personally. I’ll never forget our concert trip to Spaatz to the Musikscheune, which had just been renovated at the time.
Christian Jung, former colleague of Andreas
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I first met Andreas at BESSY in 1990, when he was chair of the works council, as he explained to me why the works council had raised an objection to my appointment. But he immediately assured me that I had nothing to fear. And before long, he became one of my closest colleagues and mentors, to whom I owe a great deal. He always had an open ear, was exceptionally knowledgeable, relished every conversation – whether scientific, socio-political or personal – and had a delightful sense of humour. Even when he retired, he left a void, but he was still accessible. Now he leaves behind a void that cannot be filled.
Michael Scheer
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Dear Andreas!
It wasn’t long ago that we met whilst visiting the doctor…. Two old friends who could reflect fondly on the many years we spent together at BESSY and BESSY II. Of course, we also remembered that there had occasionally been heated discussions between the managing director and staff representatives, but they were always fair! It was always the internationally recognised scientist Andreas who sat opposite me, championing BESSY and the team. Andreas, you are one of the few people I remember with gratitude.
Eberhard Jaeschke
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Dear Andreas, I am really sorry you left us. I have known you since 2002 when I arrived to BESSY. Soon after I started my thesis, I found myself alone, without clear guidance in the experimental work. You took over this responsibility even though you worked in a completely different department. To help me, you upgraded the polarimeter with T-control, and simultaneous measurement of reflectivity, TEY and FY in order I could do the experiments I had in mind and complete my thesis work. Your help during my thesis was unvaluable. I enjoyed the beam times together, the scientific discussion and overall, your personality. You knew everyone at BESSY. Whatever you (or I) needed, was solved immediately after talking to the proper person. I had the impression you were respected by all people around. I loved to see your friendly manners to deal with people but overall, I was impressed by seeing how much one can enjoy science. Since we started working together, I always wanted to become a scientist like you, someone who just enjoy science.
It was a big loss for me when you left BESSY after your retirement. I still could see you from time to time when you were coming for experiments. I regret we did not keep a closer contact. The loss now is difficult to express. For me, BESSY has lost some of its essence with your departure. Hope to see you again, I hope in a few decades, to keep on discussing physics.
Sergio Valencia, HZB
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