Katharina Franke

Professor Katharina Franke leads the Franke Research Group in the Department of Physics at Freie Universität Berlin, specializing in experimental nanophysics with focus on nanomagnetism and molecular electronics. Her team investigates fundamental questions about magnetic bit scaling, atomic-scale magnetic interactions, and topological states in nanostructures using advanced scanning probe techniques.

Research centers on:

• Nanomagnetism: Limits of magnetic bit size and single-atom interactions
• Nanophysics: Quantum properties of nanostructures
• Molecular Electronics: Charge transport mechanisms in molecular systems
• Topological states: Emergent phenomena in magnetic materials

The group employs scanning tunnelling microscopy/spectroscopy, ultra-fast optics, and ultra-high vacuum systems at cryogenic temperatures to probe these phenomena.

Professor Franke currently supervises 10 students:

• PhD candidates: Verena Caspari, Florian Faaber, Melvin Grumser, Margarete Huisinga, Bharti Mahendru, Junyoung Sim, Paul Wiechers
• Master students: Caroline Firschke, Constantin Flommersfeld, Rahel Specht

Funding supports ongoing projects, evidenced by active recruitment and upcoming courses like the Winter 2025/26 'Seminar: Selected Topics in Nanomagnetism'.

The Franke Research Group maintains state-of-the-art experimental facilities for nanoscale characterization. Students present research in mandatory seminars with peer discussion, fostering a collaborative environment focused on high-level experimentation and theoretical understanding of solid-state quantum phenomena.