Björn Lange

Björn Lange is a Research Fellow in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering, where he has worked as a postdoctoral associate in Prof. Volker Blum's AIMS group since September 2013, specializing in computational materials science and electronic structure modeling.

His academic background includes a Doctoral degree in Physics with honors (summa cum laude) from the University of Paderborn (2012), preceded by a Master of Science (2007) and Bachelor of Science (2005) in Physics from the same institution. His educational journey began with a general qualification for university entrance (Abitur) from Leopoldinum Detmold in 2001.

Lange's research centers on first-principles materials modeling using plane-wave density functional theory (DFT) to investigate electronic structures across diverse material systems. His expertise spans computational material design, code development for advanced simulations, and applications in semiconductor physics, surface science, and defect engineering in nitrides. He has contributed to the S/PHI/nX multiscale library for multiphysics simulations since 2009.

Analysis of his publications reveals consistent focus on DFT applications for semiconductor heterojunctions, surface adsorption phenomena, and defect characterization in materials like Mg₃N₂ and GaN. Key methodological themes include development of numerical atomic basis sets, quasiparticle calculations, and surface reaction modeling on silicon substrates.

Notable scientific recognition includes:

• 2013 Otto Hahn Medal from the Max Planck Society
• 2008-2009 Max Planck Society Fellowship
• 2001 Karl Doerth Stiftung Prize for natural science excellence

Lange has no documented advisees or grant funding in the source material. His industrial experience includes internships at Weidmüller (2002) developing lead-free connectors and at Hornitex (1997-2000) as a laboratory assistant, demonstrating early practical engineering engagement alongside his academic trajectory.