Physics: Fundamental and Applied Research
Experimental solid state physics: Novel electronic materials and transport phenomena of charge, spin and heat are explored with respect to mathematical principles of geometry, symmetry and topology. These investigations demand extreme experimental situations: Milli-Kelvin temperatures, low-noise electronics, high-magnetic fields. Developling novel measurement techniques and high-precision nano-/metrology is of utmost importance.
Short Videos (german)
Selected Publications
"Inverse Bauhaus-principle"
At the nanoscale material properties may undergo drastic changes. This differs fundamentally from macroscopic objects for which the system size lies well above characteristic physical length scales relevant for the material properties. For macroscopic objects the physical properties depend on the choice of the material and the famous "Bauhaus principle" applies: Form follows function. Important examples are the form of aeroplanes or ships which are optimized for aero- and fluid-dynamics.
However, for nano- or micromaterials the reverse effect may take place: Function follows form. The physical properties of an object depend on its geometry of the specimen and not only on the choice of the material. Therefore, I call this the "inverse Bauhaus principle".
The "inverse Bauhaus principle" allows us to optimize material properties by geometric design. This can be made use of to tailor opto-/electronic, thermal, thermoelectric and spin-/magnetic properties for electronic device applications.
Selected Publications
Towards "Universal Interdisciplinarity"
Within the development of humanity
the usage of electronic materials in existing and
emerging technologies, including quantum technologies, enhance processes of communication
and industrialization. Because these circumstances have
the potential to change evolutionary processes, I frame three of these processes, with global impact and uncertain developments, as on-going "world experiments" in which humanity plays a decisive role: First, changes in the "planetary metabolism", second, human-machine
invoked "evolutionary processes" and third, the inter-generational transfer of knowledge.
To meet future demands, the way in which scientific
disciplines, technologies and societies interact may require substantial change. In
particular, the way science is performed needs further developments. I argue that, besides the existing successful conventional disciplinary methods and interdisciplinary research between related fields, a fully universal approach is required at the present stage of humanity: A novel route towards
Universal Interdisciplinarity (UI) across all disciplines becomes mandatory.
Enabling Universal Interdisciplinary Dialogue (UID) means to include >>all the
sciences and the arts<< for joint explorations. This appears crucial when approaching complex critcial processes which demand timely solutions and action beyond existing pathways: Negotiating instabilities, envisioning futures and capturing multiple perspectives of global concerns.
Novel standardized formats need to be developed for Universal Interdisciplinary Research (UIR) including all
the sciences and the arts, and novel evaluation and funding schemes for UIR are called for.
Publication