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Research in overview
The research performed at the Department of Physics covers a broad spectrum of topics. The focus lies on nanophysics, neurophysics, biophysics and astrophysics.
Nanophysics
How can we optimize a solar cell? What properties must materials fulfill so that we can build lasers from them that are perfectly matched to the application? How can we change optical and electrical properties of nanomaterials when we combine them?
The term nanophysics covers a broad spectrum of research at the department focusing on the properties of nanomaterials. Exploiting the synergy effects of different research groups, the goal is to understand diverse novel materials from their production to their fundamental characterization and possible technological applications in order to improve the world of tomorrow. By precisely studying and understanding the growth processes of both inorganic and organic complexes, it is possible to develop novel structures and optimize their application ("Structure and Technology Research Laboratory", K. Volz, W. Stolz; "Molecular Solid State Physics", G. Witte; "Physics of Solar Energy Conversion", J. C. Goldschmidt). The expansion and development of state-of-the-art optical measurement apparatus has made it possible to measure the optoelectronic properties of materials on smaller scales, as well as to study the ultrafast dynamics of charge carriers ("Surface Physics," U. Höfer, P. Jakob, H. Jänsch; "Semiconductor Photonics," M. Koch; "Semiconductor Spectroscopy," M. Gerhard, W. Heimbrodt). The formulation and evaluation of theoretical models helps to understand measurements, but also to discover hidden potentials of materials that are not yet accessible to experimental research ("Ultrafast Quantum Dynamics", E. Malic; "Many-Particle Physics", F. Gebhard, R. Noack). This diverse and complementary approach forms the basis for understanding and optimizing optoelectronic devices for the technology of the future.
Among others, the various Marburg research groups focus on novel hybrid structures consisting of technologically promising ultrathin 2D materials and related van der Waals heterostructures as well as molecular crystals, III/V semiconductor complexes and perovskite structures.
Neurophysics
How do we perceive? How is a stimulus proceeded, which our eyes receive? How are optical perception and action connected? In the group of “Neurophysics” (F. Bremmer) the processing of visual perceptions is researched on the basis of the analysis of eye-tracking studies. The influence of tactile and auditory signals on the movement of the eye are also investigated.
Biophysics
How do microfilms form? How do cellular systems organize themselves? How can properties of cancer cells be characterized? From a physical point of view and in collaboration with biologically and medically oriented research groups, the research groups "Complex Systems" (P. Lenz) and "Quantitative Biology" (V. Sourjik, MPI) conduct research on systems of biological and soft matter from different perspectives. The research focuses on questions of shape fluctuation, interaction and the emergence of order in cellular systems.
Astrophysics
Why and how do stars twinkle? Where in Hesse have stars been observed? These two questions are the main focus of the working group "History of Astronomy and Observational Astronomy" (A. Schrimpf), which investigates variable stars in more detail on the basis of photographic plates and own measurements.