Group Leader Profiles

The research of our group is concerned with quantum technologies and quantum optics. One particular research focus is quantum networks: we implement quantum protocols, build distributed quantum networks and perform secure quantum computations in them. Furthermore, we work on demonstrating quantum effects in systems with few particles and how to exploit those for applications. Our research is experimental and focuses on photonic quantum systems, meaning we generate, manipulate, and detect single photons. Furthermore, our research is interdisciplinary and involves aspects from physics, engineering, and computer science.

Our research seeks to elucidate the links between the structure and properties of technologically-relevant materials. The primary goal of our work is to advance electrochemical energy storage through the design and control of the atomic and electronic structure, and microstructure of materials, including the discovery of novel compounds, and through the optimization of interfaces and composite structures in devices. Our approach encompasses innovative synthesis approaches, electrochemical testing, as well as the in-depth investigation of structural and electronic phenomena taking place in the electrodes, in the electrolyte, and at their interfaces during battery function. For this, we use complementary diagnostic tools, from state-of-the-art spectroscopy, to diffraction/scattering, to electron microscopy. In particular, we develop high resolution solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, operando and in situ NMR and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, magnetometry, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Another pillar of our work is the development of first principles and statistical mechanics computations to facilitate the interpretation of our experimental results.

Our research group is at the forefront of creating functional materials through the chemistry of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for catalytic applications. We specialize in the development of MOCOF, the fusion of MOF and COF chemistry, to realize materials with superior properties, as well as creating well-defined catalytic sites in MOFs/COFs/MOCOFs.

Our expertise spans coordination chemistry, organic chemistry, and materials science, supported by an extensive range of analytical techniques. These skills empower us to thoroughly understand and design the synthetic processes, structures, and catalytic behaviors of porous crystalline materials. By leveraging our knowledge and methodologies, we strive to push the boundaries of materials science and chemistry.

Our interdisciplinary research group explores how to teach crystals tricks of living matter by investigating dynamic features of molecular framework materials such as metal-organic and covalent organic frameworks (MOFs and COFs). By specifically tuning the structural topology of the framework, we create soft porous crystals which exhibit pore contraction and/or expansion as a response to the adsorption of gases and fluids or external triggers such as light irradiation. Such materials can act as responsive cargo-release systems, nanoscopic sensors or feature counterintuitive phenomena such as negative gas adsorption. We furthermore construct frameworks which contain molecular machines such as light-driven molecular motors and switches as responsive and intrinsically dynamic building blocks. We aim towards collective operating molecular machines in the solid state which are able to actively transport molecules in the pore space and facilitate dynamic conversion and storage of energy carriers and other small molecules. Our diverse team uses a wide range of synthetic and experimental tools and collaborates in national and international research projects to push the boundaries of dynamic features in crystalline solids.

The research in my group is mainly focused on non-equilibrium phenomena in Quantum Materials as well as on novel Josephson and Proximity effects using triplet superconductors. One major direction of our actual investigations are Higgs oscillations in superconductors under non-equilibrium conditions. Employing various non-equilibrium techniques we have predicted unique effects that provide novel insights into unconventional superconductors. We collaborate with many experimental groups in Stuttgart as well as in Toyko and Vancouver within the framwork on the Max Planck--UBC--UTokyo Center for Quantum Materials. With the prediction of novel and Josephson and Proximity effects in triplet junctions my group has opened a new field of research in condensed matter physics. Finally, I pioneered a new field 'Higgs spectroscopy' where collective modes of the superconducting order parameter classifies the ground state. A new field in the area of superconductivity. Experiments have confirmed our recent predictions.

The work focuses on synthesis and detailed characterization of metal-rich compounds, preferentially containing nitrogen as a constituent. First emphasis is the design and development of preparative techniques as basis for synthesis of novel materials. Special attention is granted to structural characterization, electronic and magnetic properties as well as mechanical and chemical behavior. These data are inevitable for any detailed consideration of chemical bonding and potential applications. • Advanced solid state synthesis of functional materials including various high pressure techniques, solvothermal synthesis and crystal growth, high temperature synthesis • Solid state reaction pathways and crystal growth mechanisms • Magnetic and superconducting materials, ionic conductors

Among the possible systems that exhibit quantum properties, molecular spin qubits (MSQs) are one of the most versatile platforms. At the heart of MSQs is the electronic spin, which can originate from unpaired electrons of organic centers, transition metals or lanthanides. The organic ligand surrounding the qubit can also be engineered to tune the electronic and spin properties. My group focuses on the deposition of MSQs on surfaces and investigation using spectroscopic techniques, in particular magnetic resonance. We also aim to extend the operating frequency range from X-band (9 GHz) to THz (> 100 GHz) using plasmonic metasurface magnetic resonators designed and fabricated by us. The group is therefore very multidisciplinary, at the interface of chemistry and physics, and young, having been established in January 2024