Leonard Burtscher’s research is focused on the nuclear regions of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) which he studies using very high spatial resolution techniques, such as infrared interferometry and adaptive optics. He has compiled the first sizeable sample of AGN torus measurements using VLTI/MIDI and is now working with the successor instrument VLTI/MATISSE to continue this line of research.
Leo’s main duty is as calibration scientist for METIS as which he manages the calibration activities for this first-generation ELT instrument and performs own research on techniques for the removal of the thermal background in ground-based thermal-infrared (3-20 micron) observations.