Carsten Rockstuhl

Carsten Rockstuhl is a Professor of Theoretical Solid State Physics at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), affiliated with the Department of Physics and leading the Theoretical Photonics group at the Institute for Theoretical Solid State Physics (TFP). His research is centered on controlling light using micro- and nanostructured materials, with applications in renewable energy, quantum technologies, and advanced optical devices.

His primary research interests include Plasmonics, Optical Nanoantennas, Metamaterials, Photon Management in Solar Cells, Nonlinear Optics, and Quantum Optics. His group explores how the interaction between light and nanostructures can be tailored to enhance solar cell efficiency, enable novel sensing platforms, and manipulate quantum optical phenomena. A key focus is on the interaction of atomic systems with optical nanostructures to modify emission rates and optical properties.

The 15 most recent publications highlight a strong trend in theoretical and computational nanophotonics, with a significant emphasis on inverse design of nanophotonic devices, metasurfaces (including disordered and time-varying ones), and advanced multipole and scattering theories. There is a clear interdisciplinary approach, bridging physics, materials science, and engineering, with applications ranging from solar energy to quantum information.

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Carsten Rockstuhl leads a research group that fosters close collaboration with both theoretical and experimental groups. While specific grant details are not listed, the volume and quality of publications suggest active funding. The group is involved in developing fundamental theories and computational tools, such as the T-matrix method and frameworks for homogenization, which are crucial for the design and analysis of complex photonic systems.

The research group is actively engaged in the theoretical exploration of cutting-edge topics in nanophotonics. Key areas include the development of analytical models for optical nanoantennas, the study of photonic time crystals, and the investigation of quantum optical effects in nanostructured environments. The group's work on photon management in solar cells focuses on using nanostructures like photonic crystals and metallic nanoparticles to enhance light absorption in thin-film and organic solar cells.