Kai Rossnagel

Kai Rossnagel serves as a Lead Scientist at DESY (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron) and Professor of Physics at Kiel University, where he heads the X-ray spectroscopy group focused on quantum materials. His work leverages advanced light sources including PETRA III, FLASH, and the European XFEL to investigate atomic-level material properties.

Research centers on quantum phenomena in condensed matter systems, with emphasis on:

• Electronic structure mapping of novel materials
• Ultrafast electron dynamics imaging
• Development of X-ray spectroscopy instrumentation
• Surface and interface physics of quantum materials

His group pioneers techniques to 'film the dance of electrons' using synchrotron and free-electron laser radiation.

Rossnagel earned his doctorate in Physics from Kiel University in 2001. His career includes a Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship at Berkeley's Advanced Light Source (2002-2003), research associate position at University of Hamburg/DESY (2001), faculty progression at Kiel University (2004-2017), and visiting scientist role at RIKEN SPring-8 Center in Japan (2013-2016).

He leads DESY's X-ray spectroscopy group within the Photon Science division, directing experimental programs that bridge fundamental condensed matter research with cutting-edge light source technology development.