Ian Sharp

Prof. Dr. Ian Sharp is the Chair of Experimental Semiconductor Physics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) within the TUM School of Natural Sciences and Department of Physics. He leads the Sharp Group at the Walter Schottky Institute - Center for Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials, focusing on advanced semiconductors, nanostructures, and interfaces for renewable energy conversion.

• PhD, UC Berkeley
• Previous: TUM Institute for Advanced Study Fellow, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Staff Scientist

His research emphasizes solar photovoltaics and artificial photosynthesis, exploring electronic structure fundamentals, charge carrier dynamics, and chemical-physical property couplings in emerging semiconductors. His group develops heterostructures and nanosystems through atomic layer deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, and physical vapor deposition, while investigating interfacial phenomena via spectroscopic and microscopic tools.

Recent research trends include defect engineering in nitride photoabsorbers, electrocatalyst microenvironment control, and ultra-thin oxide coatings for semiconductor stability. These studies bridge materials synthesis, energy conversion mechanisms, and interface optimization.

Scientific Awards

• ERC Consolidator Grant (2020)
• U.S. Department of Energy Early Career Award (2016)
• Outstanding Mentor, UC Berkeley (2013)
• Carl von Linde Junior Fellow (2009)
• Alexander von Humboldt Junior Fellow (2007)

Prof. Sharp supervises PhD students and contributes to teaching in semiconductor physics, experimental techniques, and green energy engineering. His group's collaborations span Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, EPFL, and National Taiwan University.