Photonics is the study of the generation, transmission, processing and detection of light. It encompasses the electromagnetic spectrum, which extends from the extreme ultraviolet to the long-wave microwave range. Photonics is pervasive in our daily lives, as evidenced by the indispensable role it plays in the Internet, vehicle assistance systems and autonomous mobility. Optical fibres, lasers and receivers and distributors are essential components in the transmission of data through the Internet. Similarly, the vision of autonomous mobility cannot be realised without optical sensor technology. Lasers represent one of the most significant tools employed in fundamental research within the field of photonics. However, they are also utilised in telecommunications and the mobility industry, employed in materials processing and for additive manufacturing in industry, and are becoming increasingly indispensable in analytical procedures within the fields of medicine, biology, chemistry and materials science.
The department employs a range of photonics tools and methods across all working groups. Research activities focus on field-resolved spectroscopy, high-precision three-dimensional additive manufacturing, optical quantum simulators, micro-optical light sources and applications, magneto-optical processes and applications, the control of quantum states of light and their theoretical description. Spin-offs from the department and the connection to the Fraunhofer ITWM and IFOS facilitate direct transfer to industry.
Research Groups
Biophysics and ultrafast spectroscopy
Prof. Rolf Diller (Experimental physics)
Coherent and non-coherent relaxation in molecular systems after optical excitation
Theoretical quantum optics
Prof. Michael Fleischhauer (Theoretical physics)
Slow and stored light, quantum information with photons
Integrated optoelectronics and micro-optics
Prof. Henning Fouckhardt (Experimental physics/Technical physics)
III/V semiconductor lasers and optoelectronic microdroplet manipulation
Optical technologies and photonics
Prof. Georg von Freymann (Technical physics)
Laser-based 3D µ-printing of photonic materials
Topology in 3D photonic quantum simulators
Prof. Christina Jörg (Technical physics)
Nonlinear phenomena in 3D microprinted waveguide arrays
Physics and technology of nanostructures
Prof. Egbert Oesterschulze (Experimental physics)
Functionalized nanoparticle systems for electrochromic micro-optics
Optische Quantenmesstechnik
Prof. Ioachim Pupeza (Experimental physics)
Tools for controlling and measuring individual oscillations of optical waves
Ultrafast dynamics of laser-excited solids
Prof. Bärbel Rethfeld (Applied theoretical physics)
Multiscale modeling from laser absorption to material processing
Individual Quantum Systems
Prof. Artur Widera (Experimental physics)
Tailoring photonic systems for quantum sensor technology
Spin physics concerns itself with the study of magnetism, magnetic phenomena and the quantum mechanics of the intrinsic angular momentum of electrons. It is the foundation of numerous technological applications, which include permanent magnets and medical diagnostic procedures, as well as quantum information processing. Without spin physics, electric motors and generators would be as implausible as the storage of the vast amounts of data on the Internet. Researchers in the field of spin physics are engaged in the investigation of the interaction between light, spin and matter, with a view to exploring the potential applications of magnetic excitations in the field of communication and information technologies.
The Department of Physics places a significant emphasis on spin physics, with a particular focus on the dynamic properties of spins and imaging methods. Our research encompasses the study of spins in a diverse range of systems, including atoms, molecules and solids. Our findings provide the foundation for the development of novel technological applications, which we collaborate with industry and engineering partners to realise. Our activities in spin physics are consolidated within the "Laboratory for Advanced Spin Engineering" (LASE building).
Research Groups
Ultrafast phenomena on surfaces
Prof. Martin Aeschlimann (Experimental physics)
Laser-excited spin dynamics on ultra-short time scales
Biophysics and ultrafast spectroscopy
Prof. Rolf Diller (Experimental physics)
Optical manipulation of spin-crossover-complexes
Fundamentals of solids and many-body systems
Prof. Sebastian Eggert (Theoretical physics)
Spin and charge in antiferromagnets with restricted dimensions (1D, 2D)
Theoretical quantum optics
Prof. Michael Fleischhauer (Theoretical physics)
Dissipative spin systems and many-body spin physics with Rydberg atoms
Optical technologies and photonics
Prof. Georg von Freymann (Technical physics)
Optical induced magnetic landscapes and terahertz dynamics
Magnetism
Prof. Burkard Hillebrands (Experimental physics/Technical physics)
Spintronics and magnonics
Theory of spin systems
Prof. Akashdeep Kamra (Theoretical physics)
Spin transport and dynamics in magnets, metals, and superconductors
Biophysics and quantum sensor technology
Prof. Elke Neu-Ruffing (Experimental physics)
Consistent control of individual spins
Ultracold quantum gases and quantum atom optics
Prof. Herwig Ott (Experimental physics)
Spin physics with interacting Rydberg atoms and Rydberg molecules
Nanoscaled Magnonic Hybrids
Prof. Philipp Pirro (Experimental physics/Technical physics)
Spin waves in hybrid systems for logic and data processing
Ultrafast dynamics of laser-excited solids
Prof. Bärbel Rethfeld (Applied theoretical physics)
Spin-resolved electron dynamics and transport
Theoretical semiconductor optics and quantum electronics
Prof. Hans Christian Schneider (Theoretical physics)
Dynamics of the interaction of light, electrons and magnetic excitations
Biophysics and medical physics
Prof. Volker Schünemann (Experimental physics)
Dynamic processes in molecular spin switches and single-molecule magnets
Applied spin phenomena
Prof. Mathias Weiler (Experimental physics)
Spin control with electricity, sound and light
Individual Quantum Systems
Prof. Artur Widera (Experimentalphysik)
Quantum computing with Rydberg atoms in optical tweezers
Physics and biophysics of complex interfaces
Prof. Chrsitiane Ziegler (Technical physics)
Spin phenomena in organic thin-film systems
The motto of biophysics is "Physics Meets Life Science." Biophysics is an interdisciplinary science that employs physical and physico-chemical methods to investigate the fundamental and complex processes occurring in living organisms. Only physical methods permit the comprehensive spatio-temporal description of biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels, offering the highest possible resolution. Consequently, they are essential for elucidating the intricate relationship between the structure, dynamics, and function of biological systems. On the one hand, biological questions are addressed through experimental-physical (ranging from tabletop to large-scale research facilities) and computer-aided methods. These approaches have repeatedly revolutionized our understanding of biological processes.
Our site has a broad spectrum of research areas in which biophysical issues are dealt with. These include biospectroscopy, membrane biophysics and biophysics at interfaces and nanostructures. Our research portfolio also includes research on biological systems at the molecular level, membrane-bound processes, the interaction of cell assemblies with artificial surfaces and the development of state-of-the-art laser and quantum technology.
Research Group
Biophysics and ultrafast spectroscopy
Prof. Rolf Diller (Experimental physics)
Ultra-fast, functionally fundamental processes in biologically relevant molecules
Biophysics and quantum sensor technology
Prof. Elke Neu-Ruffing (Experimental physics)
Sensors for currents and much more in the life sciences
Optical quantum measurement technology
Prof. Ioachim Pupeza (Experimental physics)
Molecular vibrational spectroscopy of biological systems
Biophysics and medical physics
Prof. Volker Schünemann (Experimental physics)
Iron-dependent processes in biological systems
Physics and biophysics of complex interfaces
Prof. Christiane Ziegler (Technical physics)
Interaction of biological systems and technical surfaces
Solid-state physics is the study of the properties of solid matter, which is ubiquitous in the materials used in our everyday lives. Of particular interest are current applications such as electronics, information processing, modern sensors or quantum information systems, which can advance into ever smaller dimensions thanks to research in solid-state physics. The electrical, magnetic, thermal or optical properties often depend not only on the material, but also on the size of the structure. This realization has driven the field of nanotechnology forward. Surface effects play a pivotal role in this field, which is consequently the subject of investigation in surface physics. Solid-state physics is a highly interdisciplinary field that builds bridges to chemistry and engineering sciences, as well as to medical technology.
The department is committed to a comprehensive range of contemporary topics in solid state physics, encompassing both experimental and theoretical approaches. A particular emphasis is placed on research into the fundamental ultrafast phenomena observed in solids, on their surfaces and in nanostructures. These findings provide the foundation for the development of innovative sensors and other electronic and photonic components. The research and further development of novel magnetic, photonic and organic materials and their nanostructures is a central focus of the experimental working groups. There are also close links to materials science. Another central focus of our work is the continuous improvement of experimental and numerical methods in the field of solid state and surface physics. This allows us to gain an increasingly detailed view of both fundamental quantities and application-oriented problems in industry. This is also closely linked to the activities of IFOS.
Research Groups
Ultrafast phenomena on surfaces
Prof. Martin Aeschlimann (Experimental physics)
Ultrafast electronic and photonic phenomena on solid surfaces, ultra-thin layers and in nanostructures
Fundamentals of solids and many-body systems
Prof. Sebastian Eggert (Theoretical physics)
Quantum phase transitions and collective excitations in interacting model systems for solids
Integrated optoelectronics and micro-optics
Prof. Henning Fouckhardt (Experimental physics/Technical physics)
Technologies for the production of optoelectronic components and measurement techniques for them
Magnetism
Prof. Burkard Hillebrands (Experimental physics/Technical physics)
Materialien für die Spintronik und Magnonik
Topology in 3D photonic quantum simulators
Prof. Christina Jörg (Technical physics)
Photonic model systems for topological solid-state phenomena
Theory of spin systems
Prof. Akashdeep Kamra (Theoretical physics)
Coupled spin, lattice, and exciton dynamics
Physics and technology of nanostructures
Prof. Egbert Oesterschulze (Experimental physics)
Functionalized surfaces for heterogeneous condensation and microfluidic applications
Nanoscaled Magnonic Hybrids
Prof. Philipp Pirro (Experimental physics/Technical physics)
Spin waves in hybrid systems for logic and data processing
Ultrafast dynamics of laser-excited solids
Prof. Bärbel Rethfeld (Applied Theoretical physics)
Interactions of light, electrons and lattice vibrations far from thermodynamic equilibrium
Theoretical semiconductor optics and quantum electronics
Prof. Hans Christian Schneider (Theoretical physics)
Electronic and optical properties of solids far from equilibrium
Applied spin phenomena
Prof. Mathias Weiler (Experimental physics)
Acoustic surface waves
Physics and biophysics of complex interfaces
Prof. Chrsitiane Ziegler (Technical physics)
Surface and interface effects of organic and inorganic semiconductors
The field of quantum optics is concerned with the study of the quantum physics of light, including its interaction with matter and its practical applications. The most perplexing paradoxes of quantum physics are observed on a daily basis in quantum optics laboratories, where technologies are employed that can detect and also control individual atoms, electrons and photons with extreme precision. In order to fully comprehend the technology of the present day, it is necessary to have a grasp of quantum mechanics. It is within the domain of quantum mechanics that we seek the revolutionary new technologies of tomorrow, including quantum computing, sensors with exceptional sensitivity and precision, and the detailed control of microscopic processes of all kinds.
The department is engaged in detailed research into quantum optics and the physics of ultracold quantum gases. Our work encompasses theoretical and experimental investigations aimed at a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles and applications of quantum systems. This encompasses concepts such as topology and quantum chaos, which are also prevalent in interacting quantum systems (quantum many-body systems). The objective is to identify ways to apply these concepts to develop radically new microscopic types of sensors, switches, and motors. This will be achieved by manipulating single atoms with laser and electron beams, realizing single molecules with enormous expansion, building controllable simulations of solid-state systems such as superconductors, or making motors and quantum computers enhanced or even powered by quantum phenomena with real practical performance.
Research Groups
Fundamentals of quantum physics
Prof. James R. Anglin (Theoretical physics)
Microscopic roots of thermodynamics in nonlinear quantum dynamics
Fundamentals of solids and many-body systems
Prof. Sebastian Eggert (Theoretical physics)
Strongly correlated driven quantum systems in non-equilibrium
Theoretical quantum optics
Prof. Michael Fleischhauer (Theoretical physics)
Open quantum systems, non-equilibrium phenomena and topology
Optical technologies and photonics
Prof. Georg von Freymann (Technical physics)
Photonic Bose-Einstein condensates and quantum simulators
Magnetism
Prof. Burkard Hillebrands (Experimental physics/Technical physics)
Magnonic Bose-Einstein condensates
Topology in 3D photonic quantum simulators
Prof. Christina Jörg (Technical physics)
Quantum simulation in 3D photonic structures
Theory of spin systems
Prof. Akashdeep Kamra (Theoretical physics)
Quantum magnonics and information science
Biophysics and quantum sensor technology
Prof. Elke Neu-Ruffing (Experimental physics)
Quantum systems as sensors
Ultracold quantum gases and quantum atom optics
Prof. Herwig Ott (Experimental physics)
Ultracold quantum gases and quantum computing
Optical quantum measurement technology
Prof. Ioachim Pupeza (Experimental physics)
Optical correlation measurements in the time domain
Theoretical semiconductor optics and quantum electronics
Prof. Hans Christian Schneider (Theoretical physics)
Electronic and (quantum) optical properties of complex materials
Individual Quantum Systems
Prof. Artur Widera (Experimental physics)
Investigation of ultracold quantum gases and the dynamics of individual atoms