Bastian Pfau

Dr. Bastian Pfau serves as Department Head of the “Imaging and Coherent X-rays” (B2) division and Project Coordinator for “Transient Structures and Imaging with X-rays” at the Max Born Institute in Berlin, where he has conducted postdoctoral research since 2016. His work pioneers nanoscale magnetic imaging using coherent X-ray techniques, with significant contributions to ultrafast magnetization dynamics and topological spin structures.

His academic foundation includes a Dr. rer. nat. (PhD) in Physics from Technical University Berlin (2013) with thesis “Imaging magnetic nanostructures using soft x-ray Fourier transform holography,” and a Diplom (MSc) in Physics from Technical University Dresden (2006) focused on “Combining photon correlation spectroscopy and fluctuation analysis for investigating diffusion dynamics.” Additional research experience spans Lund University (2014-2015), Technical University Berlin (2010-2013), and Helmholtz Center Berlin (2006-2010).

Dr. Pfau’s research centers on developing and applying X-ray holography and coherent diffraction imaging to visualize magnetic nanostructures at nanometer-femtosecond scales. His group specializes in ultrafast magnetization dynamics, skyrmion imaging, and element-specific magnetic probing using soft X-rays. Key innovations include achieving 5 nm resolution magnetic imaging and demonstrating all-optical helicity-independent switching via plasmonic nanostructures, with applications in next-generation spintronic devices and magnetic storage technologies.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in nanoscale magnetic imaging (particularly skyrmions and topological textures), ultrafast opto-magnetic effects using extreme ultraviolet radiation, and advanced X-ray methodologies for capturing transient magnetic states. His work consistently bridges fundamental physics with practical instrumentation development, as evidenced by contributions to laser-driven plasma sources and tabletop X-ray setups.

As Department Head of B2, Dr. Pfau leads a multidisciplinary team operating cutting-edge X-ray microscopy facilities at MBI. The group maintains strong collaborations with international synchrotron facilities (including BESSY II) and free-electron laser centers, focusing on developing MHz-repetition-rate pump-probe capabilities and high-resolution magnetic imaging techniques. Current projects emphasize real-time visualization of light-induced phase transitions and magnetic switching phenomena in functional materials.