Axel Lorke

Prof. Dr. Axel Lorke leads the research group at the University of Duisburg-Essen within the Faculty of Physics, focusing on optical and electronic properties of nanostructures. His group's work spans self-assembled quantum dots, graphene, and 2D materials, with a strong emphasis on

• quantum transport
• optical spectroscopy
• real-time dynamics

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Recent publications (2021-2025) highlight his contributions to defect engineering in hexagonal boron nitride, spin-charge coupling, and ultrafast electron propagation. His team has pioneered techniques like time-resolved electrical non-equilibrium spectroscopy and collaborates extensively within the Collaborative Research Centre 1242.

Prof. Lorke is a central figure in the freestyle-physics outreach competition for students (grades 5-13), now in its 23rd year. His group's "fastest lab in the world" demonstrations at public events like the Nacht der Physik blend education with cutting-edge research on topics such as

• quantum sensors
• nanoscale defect analysis
• optoelectronic devices

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Key collaborators include doctoral candidates Hendrik Mannel and Jens Kerski, and former advisees like Annika Kurzmann (now Professor at University of Cologne). The group's experimental work is conducted in state-of-the-art cleanrooms using electron/ion-beam lithography and single-photon detectors.