Laboratory for Photovoltaics

At the laboratory for photovoltaics (LPV) we investigate the exact mechanisms that reduce the efficiency of real solar cells compared to ideal devices. We prepare semiconductor materials in a controlled way and employ optoelectronic measurements, like photoluminescence to understand e.g. the absorption of light and the losses of photogenerated electrons.  A focus is on the next generation solar cells, based on thin film tandem devices. We contribute to improving the efficiency of thin film solar cells.

Group Leader: Prof. Susanne Siebentritt

Laboratory for Energy Materials

The Laboratory for Energy Materials studies the physical and chemical reactions occurring during semiconductor synthesis to better understand how to manipulate the resulting materials’ opto-electrical properties. We are interested in reducing environmental impact, so we investigate semiconductors made from earth abundant non toxic elements, and we research novel low energy synthesis methods. We also research small and semi-transparent solar cell devices for high power conversion efficiency and building integrated applications.

Group Leader: Prof. Phillip Dale

Scanning Probe Microscopy Laboratory

Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) methods are ideal to study the properties of functional materials on the nanoscale. At the SPM laboratory, technologically relevant semiconductors such as for example hybrid perovskites, chalcopyrites and 2D materials are synthesized and analyzed with different scanning probe and luminescence techniques. We develop new analytical tools and deposition methods to understand how surface and interface properties can be tuned to enhance the performance of functional devices such as for example solar cells.

Group Leader: Associate Prof. Alex Redinger

The NanoMagnetism Group

The research of the Michels group is centered around the technique of magnetic small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Experimental,  theoretical, and simulation work is carried out in order to understand and develop the fundamentals of magnetic SANS. Studied materials  include Nd-Fe-B magnets, Mn-Bi rare-earth-free magnets, Heusler-type alloys, nanocomposites, magnetic nanoparticles, and steels.

Group Leader: Associate Prof. Andreas Michels

Theoretical Solid-State Physics

The TSSP group investigates light-matter interactions on a microscopic scale. We develop and use advanced theoretical and computational methods derived from quantum mechanical first principles to describe the dynamics of electronic and atomic excitations. This enables us to analyze and predict various optical properties, such as absorption, luminescence, and resonant Raman spectra. Recently, the group has focused on a quantitative description of the influence of the electron- and exciton-phonon interaction on these spectroscopic properties. We particularly apply our methods to 2D materials and semiconductors that are interesting for the development of novel opto-electronic devices, such as sensors and solar cells.

Group Leader: Prof. Ludger Wirtz

Quantum Dynamics and Control

The QDC group investigates dynamical properties of open quantum systems and develops protocols for their control. We combine analytical and numerical tools, mainly from quantum optics and stochastic analysis, to characterise processes such as decoherence, entanglement, and excitation transfer. The systems of interests are diverse and range from single toy models to chaotic systems and natural molecular aggregates.

Group Leader: Dr. Aurelia Chenu

Theory and Simulation of Functional Materials

The TSFM group uses theoretical and simulation methods to study materials properties, with a particular focus on functional oxides like ferroelectrics and magnetoelectric multiferroics. We work to explain novel phenomena (e.g., emerging topological orders in ferroelectrics) as well as to computationally-design nano-materials with new or optimized properties. The group also contributes to the development of methods for large-scale simulations that retain quantum-mechanical accuracy and predictive power.

Group Leader: Affiliated Prof. Jorge Iñiguez (LIST)