Jan Wilhelm

Jan Wilhelm is a Researcher and leader of the Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Group at the University of Regensburg's Institute for Theoretical Physics. His work focuses on ultrafast electron dynamics and computational methods for electronic structure theory, addressing gaps between experimental capabilities and theoretical predictions in ultrafast processes. He develops low-scaling algorithms for GW calculations to simulate systems with thousands of atoms, enabling studies of materials like 2D heterobilayers and moiré structures. His research intersects quantum technologies, photovoltaics, and nonlinear optics, with collaborations on high-harmonic generation and ultrafast microscopy. Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), his work bridges theory and experiment, aiming to understand femtosecond-scale phenomena in materials.

Education: Studied physics and mathematics at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, with a doctorate in theoretical chemistry from the University of Zurich. Prior industry experience in chemical optimization provided insights into applied vs. fundamental research.

Research highlights include the development of CUED software for ultrafast dynamics simulations and contributions to the CP2K package. Key projects include ultrafast laser-driven electron dynamics, topological insulator studies, and collaborations with experimental groups at RUN. Future directions involve leveraging the Regensburg Center for Ultrafast Nanoscopy (RUN) to explore uncharted phenomena at atomic scales.

Teaching: Lectures on computational methods for nanoscience and condensed matter excitations. Supervised students like Max Graml, who received the Brigitta and Oskar Braumandl Prize.