Hermann Dürr is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University, Sweden, affiliated with the FREIA facility. His research employs ultrashort (10 -15 sec) laser, x-ray, and electron spectroscopies to probe condensed matter systems, with emphasis on speed limits for magnetic/electronic switching in information technology materials. His primary research interests include: Ultrafast non-equilibrium and metastable states in condensed matter All-optical magnetic switching in ferrimagnets Insulator-metal transitions in correlated electron systems Ultrafast charge separation in photovoltaics Femtosecond soft x-ray and EUV spectroscopy techniques Relativistic electron pulses for structural dynamics Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in ultrafast magnetism, particularly element-specific dynamics in FePt and Co/Pd systems using free electron lasers. Key methodologies include circularly polarized x-rays, spin-resolved spectroscopy, and nanoscale imaging of magnetic domain manipulation, with strong focus on non-thermal metastable states relevant to next-generation information storage. Professor Dürr maintains active collaborations with external research groups and industry partners to access advanced materials. His work is conducted through Uppsala University's FREIA facility, leveraging high-harmonic generation sources and free electron laser infrastructure for cutting-edge ultrafast experiments across condensed matter physics.
Christian Frischkorn serves as Scientific Coordinator for the Collaborative Research Center TRR 227 "Ultrafast Spin Dynamics in Correlated Matter" at the Department of Physics, Free University of Berlin, holding the academic rank of Associate Professor. Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), this major initiative bridges Freie Universität Berlin and Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg with over 20 principal investigators exploring ultrafast phenomena in quantum materials. His research centers on ultrafast magnetism and spintronics, specifically investigating spin dynamics in correlated electron systems and magnetic materials through time-resolved spectroscopic techniques. The TRR 227 framework enables interdisciplinary collaboration across theoretical modeling, nanofabrication, and advanced X-ray methodologies to decode femtosecond-scale spin processes. As Scientific Coordinator, Frischkorn manages cross-institutional research integration, workshop organization (including the iRTG Joint Winter School), and operational logistics for this €5M+ DFG project. His leadership sustains a vibrant ecosystem of doctoral researchers and international partnerships focused on next-generation spin-based technologies.
Sebastian Maehrlein is a Group Leader heading the THz Structural Dynamics research group within the Department of Physical Chemistry at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society in Berlin. Since June 2020, he has led this independent research group, which received a prestigious six-year Emmy Noether grant from the German Research Foundation (DFG) in July 2022. His research group consists of five PhD students, three postdoctoral researchers, and maintains active collaborations with institutions in France, the Netherlands, and the United States. Maehrlein's research focuses on understanding and controlling structural dynamics in materials using intense terahertz and mid-infrared laser pulses. His group investigates how spatial arrangements of atoms can be modulated on ultrafast time scales to control material properties and potentially discover new material features. Key research areas include lattice trajectory control, dynamically disordered systems, molecular rotations in solids, nonlinear phononics, and lattice-driven phenomena. The group particularly studies phonon anharmonicities, molecular orientations in solids, and dynamically disordered systems, with significant work on lead halide perovskites and 2D materials. The group's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on coherent control of lattice dynamics, with numerous papers in high-impact journals including Nature Physics, Science Advances, and Advanced Materials. Their research shows a clear trend toward understanding angular momentum transfer in crystal lattices, symmetry breaking in hybrid materials, and developing novel techniques for THz spectroscopy and control. The work has significant implications for optoelectronics, quantum materials, and ultrafast control of material properties. Scientific Awards: Emmy Noether grant from German Research Foundation (DFG) Prof. Maehrlein actively supervises multiple PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, with a track record of successful student outcomes including Marie Cherasse's PhD graduation in December 2022 and her subsequent receipt of the French L'Oréal UNESCO Award for Women in Science. His group participates in the ANR-DFG research consortium '2D-HYPE' and the Max Planck-Radboud Center for IR-FEL spectroscopy, securing substantial external funding for their research. The THz Structural Dynamics group maintains strong international collaborations, particularly with research groups in France, the Netherlands, and the United States. The THz Structural Dynamics group operates state-of-the-art laboratories for generating highly intense and phase-stable laser pulses in the THz and mid-infrared spectral range. Their facilities enable coherent driving of specific structural dynamics on fundamental time and energy scales, allowing exploration of tailored lattice trajectories that may steer solids into hidden states. The group has made significant contributions to understanding nonlinear phononics and developing novel spectroscopic techniques for studying ultrafast structural dynamics.
Professor Andrei Kiriliouk serves as Chair of Condensed Matter Physics at Radboud University, with primary affiliation in the Department of Condensed Matter Physics. He maintains significant external roles including membership on the Steering Committee of the European School on Magnetism and the Proposal Review Panel at LabEx NIE (University of Strasbourg) since 2018. His research pioneers (Nonlinear) magneto-optics and ultrafast spin dynamics, focusing on phonon-driven magnetization switching and all-optical control of ferroelectric polarization . His group employs femtosecond laser spectroscopy to investigate non-thermal processes in nanomagnetic systems, with breakthroughs enabling field-free manipulation of magnetic order through crystal lattice dynamics. Recent publication trends reveal a strategic shift toward phononics and epsilon-near-zero materials , culminating in two 2024 Nature publications demonstrating permanent ultrafast switching mechanisms. His work bridges condensed matter physics, ultrafast optics, and materials science with strong emphasis on experimental innovation. Key recognitions include: ERC Advanced Grant INTERPHON (2024) for Interactive phononic matter Best teacher of the year award from Onderwijsinstituut Moleculaire Wetenschappen (2013) Professor Kiriliouk actively supervises Bachelor and Master students through internships and theses while teaching core courses including Fundamentals of Magnetism and Quantum Mechanics 1. His ERC-funded research program supports a vibrant experimental group pursuing ultrafast control of quantum materials. Though no formal lab name is specified, his team operates at the forefront of laser-driven magnetism research within Radboud's physics infrastructure.
Professor Rolf Matthias Diller (born August 12, 1958 in Hamburg) is a C3 Professor of Biophysics and Ultrafast Spectroscopy in the Department of Physics at Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern (RPTU). His office is located in Building 46, Room 258 at Erwin-Schrödinger-Strasse, 67663 Kaiserslautern. Professor Diller leads the research group 'Biophysics and Ultrafast Spectroscopy' which conducts highly interdisciplinary research focused on fast and ultrafast dynamics in condensed phase systems. His work particularly examines reactive and non-reactive processes in biologically relevant molecules and metal-ligand complexes. To achieve femtosecond time resolution, his group develops and applies ultrafast laser spectroscopy methods. His specific research interests include retinal proteins, phytochromes, blue light receptors, and spin-crossover systems. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate continued productivity in ultrafast spectroscopy of transition metal complexes, protein dynamics, and photoreceptor mechanisms. His work spans chemistry, physics, and biology, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his research. Professor Diller has received continuous funding throughout his career, including DFG stipends during his postdoc and habilitation periods. Since 2011, he has been a member and project leader at the DFG Sonderforschungsbereich-TRR-88 'Kooperative Effekte in homo- und heterometallischen Komplexen (3MET)'. He also serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee for ELBE - Center for High-Power Radiation Sources in Dresden since 2004. His advising and research activities include leadership of the Biophysics study program at RPTU Kaiserslautern and organization of interdisciplinary workshops such as the upcoming 'Perspectives in Biophysics' event in June 2025. Professor Diller maintains active collaborations with institutions including the Weizmann Institute of Science and Hebrew University in Israel.
Professor Clemens Laubschat is a faculty member at Dresden University of Technology's Institute of Solid State and Materials Physics, where he leads the Photoelectron Spectroscopy research group. His primary affiliations include serving as speaker for Collaborative Research Center 463 and participating in Graduate School GRK 1621. Research interests focus on experimental solid-state physics, particularly: Electronic structure analysis via photoelectron spectroscopy Fermi surface topology in correlated electron systems Magnetic properties of rare-earth transition metal compounds Low-dimensional nanomaterials including graphene composites Quantum phenomena in ultrathin films and nanowires He has directed significant projects on: Spin-resolved electronic properties of ferromagnets Transition metal disulfide/graphene batteries Spectroscopic characterization of protein-metal interactions DFG-RSF collaborative work on doped graphene His laboratory specializes in advanced spectroscopic techniques for materials analysis.
Tim Amrhein is a Researcher in the Physics Department at Freie Universität Berlin, working within the Weinelt Research Group led by Prof. Dr. Martin Weinelt. His work focuses on experimental ultrafast dynamics in condensed matter systems, utilizing advanced laser spectroscopy and X-ray techniques at facilities including European XFEL. Research interests include: Ultrafast electron dynamics in topological materials (e.g., Sb 2 Te 2 S) Spin-resolved spectroscopy Surface/interface phenomena Time-resolved X-ray methods Contact details: Email: timamrhein@zedat.fu-berlin.de Phone: +49 30 838 56234 Office: Arnimallee 14, Room 0.4.29, 14195 Berlin
Prof. Dr. Ralph Ernstorfer is a leading physicist holding dual appointments at the Technical University Berlin (Professor, Institute for Optics and Atomic Physics) and the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society (Group Leader, Department of Physical Chemistry). His career includes tenure as a Max Planck Research Group leader (2010–2017) and W2 scientist (2017–2021) at FHI. He specializes in ultrafast dynamics of quantum materials, with affiliations spanning TU Berlin, Max Planck Institutes, and international collaborations. His research explores electron-phonon interactions, topological materials, and surface dynamics using advanced spectroscopic methods. Key themes include: Ultrafast electron and lattice dynamics in 2D systems (e.g., bismuthene, black phosphorus) Singlet fission mechanisms in organic semiconductors Non-equilibrium phenomena in ferromagnets and ferroelectrics Development of time-resolved photoemission techniques Recent publications (2019–2025) demonstrate prolific output in high-impact journals, focusing on momentum-resolved spectroscopy, phonon scattering, and computational materials science. His lab pioneers methodologies for studying energy flow in solids at femtosecond timescales. Prof. Ernstorfer advises researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute and TU Berlin, though specific student names are not listed. His group maintains active instrumentation development for ultrafast experiments, including momentum microscopes and spectral analysis tools.
Prof. Martin Weinelt is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Free University Berlin, where he leads the AG Weinelt research group focused on Ultrafast Surface Dynamics. His office is located at Arnimallee 14, Room 0.4.15, 14195 Berlin, in the Physics Department building in Dahlem. His research interests include: Ultrafast Surface Dynamics Femtosecond Laser Pulse Interactions with Materials Electron Dynamics at Ferromagnetic Metal and Semiconductor Surfaces Coupling of Electronic Excitations to Nuclear Motion Vibrations, Molecular Switching and Phase Transitions Spin Transport in Topological Materials Prof. Weinelt's research group investigates the geometrical and electronic structure of solids, thin films, and surfaces and their response to excitation by femtosecond laser pulses. The research spans from single electron dynamics to collective electronic responses to intense laser excitation, with particular focus on topological materials like Sb2Te2S. The group employs advanced experimental techniques including time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and utilizes facilities such as European XFEL. Prof. Weinelt has supervised numerous students throughout his career, with former students completing research on topics including magnetization dynamics in lanthanide metals, spin transport, and topological surface states. Current group members include postdocs, PhD students, and Master's students working on various aspects of ultrafast surface science. The AG Weinelt group is part of the Physics Department at Free University Berlin, located in Dahlem, southwest of Berlin. The department is well-connected to Berlin's public transport system, accessible by subway U3 to 'Dahlem-Dorf' station.
Markus Weißenhofer-Preinknoll is a Researcher at the Department of Physics, Free University of Berlin, where he contributes to the Weinelt Research Group led by Prof. Dr. Martin Weinelt. His work focuses on experimental investigations of quantum materials using advanced spectroscopic techniques within the university's physics infrastructure. His research spans critical areas in modern condensed matter physics: Topological Materials (e.g., Sb 2 Te 2 S systems) Ultrafast Electron Dynamics Time-Resolved Spectroscopy X-ray Photon Science Dirac Cone Phenomena Material Decay Processes The Weinelt Research Group operates specialized experimental facilities including Compton-effect and Auger spectroscopy setups, solid-state laser systems, and collaborates on international projects at facilities like the European XFEL. Dr. Weißenhofer-Preinknoll's current work involves BMBF-funded research on dynamic material properties (DynaMaX project) and spin-resolved studies at large-scale photon sources, investigating fundamental electronic behaviors in topological insulators through linear dichroism and population dynamics measurements.
Thomas D. Varberg serves as DeWitt Wallace Professor of Chemistry at Macalester College, where he has taught physical and general chemistry since 1993. His research focuses on high-resolution electronic spectroscopy of metal-containing free radicals using advanced laser techniques. His educational background includes: BA in Chemistry from Hamline University (1985) PhD in Physical Chemistry from MIT (1990) Postdoctoral training at NIST Boulder (1990-92) and University of Oxford as NATO Fellow (1992-93) Varberg's research centers on unraveling electronic structures of gas-phase transition metal molecules through hyperfine-resolved spectroscopy. His group pioneered the first detection of vanadium hydride spectra, providing critical data for astronomical searches. Current projects investigate VH, VF, TaH, and TaO systems using molecular beam sources and pulsed lasers, with emphasis on spin-orbit coupling and perturbation analysis. His work bridges fundamental chemical physics with potential applications in stellar spectroscopy. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in transition metal hydride/oxide spectroscopy, hyperfine structure characterization, and educational laboratory development. Over 80% focus on vanadium, tantalum, and gold compounds, with consistent methodology emphasizing high-resolution gas-phase techniques and astronomical relevance. Scientific recognition includes: Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (1998-2003) NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship (1992-93) Cottrell College Science Award (1994-96) Varberg has secured over $1.4 million in research funding, primarily through continuous NSF support since 1992. His current $264k RUI grant (2021-2025) supports undergraduate researchers in vanadium and niobium hydride studies. He has mentored more than 35 Macalester students, with undergraduate co-authors appearing on 28 research articles. His sabbaticals in Oxford, Boulder, Vancouver, Sydney, Zurich, Florence, and Cape Town reflect extensive international collaborations. The Varberg Lab operates advanced molecular beam apparatus with laser ablation sources, hollow cathode discharges, and high-resolution detection systems. The group maintains active collaborations with institutions including Arizona State University and international spectroscopy teams, particularly through the High Resolution Molecular Spectroscopy conference series.
Prof. Dr. Markus Münzenberg is a leading researcher at the Institute of Physics, University of Greifswald , focusing on ultrafast magnetism and THz spintronics . His work bridges quantum physics, nanotechnology, and interdisciplinary applications , including neuronal networks and topological systems. Research Focus: Ultrafast spin dynamics, THz spintronic emitters, magnetic skyrmions, spin-caloric transport, and 3D nanostructuring via laser lithography. Labs & Facilities: Equipped with metal MBE/sputtering, cleanroom lithography (Nanoscribe, e-beam), THz pump-probe setups, and Kerr microscopy for domain imaging. Publication Trends highlight expertise in femtosecond laser interactions , spin-orbit coupling , and topological magnetic phenomena . Key subfields include attosecond magnetism , neuromorphic computing , and bio-nano interfaces . Scientific Awards & Projects: ERC FET-Open SpinAge consortium DFG SPP2137 Skyrmionics program DAAD-PPP collaboration with Charles University Prague BMBF-funded ZIK-HIKE center for bio-nanomechanical systems Collaborations span institutions like MIT, Max Planck Institutes, TU Graz, and Kiel University, with emphasis on theoretical/experimental synergy in spin dynamics and quantum materials.
Prof. Dr. Heinz Kalt serves as Professor of Applied Physics at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), appointed in October 1994 following his habilitation in 1993. He held significant academic leadership roles including Dean of the Faculty of Physics at KIT and Dean of Studies at the Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics (KSOP), while currently contributing to scientific integrity as a member of Germany's Ombudsman Committee for Scientific Integrity. His academic journey includes: Physics studies at Bielefeld and Bonn Universities Doctorate from JW Goethe University Frankfurt am Main (1985) Postdoctoral and visiting professorship at North Texas State University (1985-1987) Research at Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research Stuttgart (1988-1991) Academic positions at University of Kaiserslautern (1991-1994) Kalt's research pioneers temporally/spatially resolved spectroscopy of semiconductor nanostructures, spin storage in quantum dots, and disorder effects in charge carrier dynamics. His work extends to artificial organic light-harvesting complexes, optical whispering gallery resonators for biosensors, and thin-film solar cell optimization. As co-author of the seminal two-volume textbook "Semiconductor Optics" and approximately 450 publications, he bridges fundamental semiconductor physics with photonic applications. Throughout his career, Kalt shaped academic governance as elected KIT Senate member and temporary spokesperson, while establishing KIT's ombudsman system for scientific practice during his long tenure as institutional ombudsperson. His current national service on the DFG-appointed Ombudsman Committee reflects sustained commitment to research integrity standards across German academia.
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kuch is a Professor at Freie Universität Berlin's Department of Physics, where he leads the Kuch Group focused on spectroscopy and spectromicroscopy of new magnetic materials. He serves as a Principal Investigator for Project A07 within the TRR227 collaborative research center 'Ultrafast Spin Dynamics' and participates in the International Research Training Group program. His research spans multiple frontiers of magnetism science: Ultrathin antiferromagnetic films (FeMn, NiMn, CoO systems) and their interactions with magnetic layers Magnetization dynamics and damping mechanisms studied through ferromagnetic resonance Time-resolved measurements using synchronized magnetic field pulses with synchrotron radiation Interaction mechanisms in nanostructured magnetic multilayer systems Switchable molecules on surfaces for potential molecular nanotechnology applications Prof. Kuch employs advanced experimental methodologies including ferromagnetic resonance, scanning tunneling microscopy, magneto-optical Kerr effect, and synchrotron-based techniques (XMCD, PEEM) primarily at the BESSY radiation facility. His research bridges fundamental magnetism with applications in next-generation data storage and spintronic devices. As an educator, he supervises bachelor's and master's theses in physics and maintains regular office hours on Mondays from 3 to 4 p.m. in room 1.2.40 at Arnimallee 14, Berlin, with remote access available via Webex.
Prof. Dr. Hélène Seiler serves as a W1-W2 Tenure Track Professor at Freie Universität Berlin's Department of Physics and Principal Investigator for Project B11 within the TRR 227 Collaborative Research Center. She leads the Ultrafast Dynamics in Nanomaterials research group focusing on experimental studies of electronic excitations in nanoscale systems using coherent multi-dimensional electronic spectroscopy with 10-30 femtosecond resolution. Her research spans 2D materials (TMDCs, heterostructures) Nanotubes and quantum dots Molecules on 2D material platforms Photonic structures and metasurfaces Spintronic heterostructures with emphasis on identifying electronic disorder sources through microscopic energy dissipation channels. Current major projects include SFB 1772 on molecular heterostructures and the OPTIMAL research unit for optical control of quantum materials. Recent publications (2021-2025) reveal strong focus on ultrafast lattice dynamics in 2D materials, exciton-polaron interactions in perovskites, and quantum dynamics in nanocrystals. Her group develops specialized tools including a visible/near-IR coherent two-dimensional spectrometer with 15-fs pulses and angle-resolved spectroscopy for polariton imaging. Scientific leadership includes: Principal Investigator in TRR 227 'Ultrafast Spin Dynamics' Member of SFB 1772 on 2D material heterostructures Participant in OPTIMAL research unit Organizer of iRTG Joint Winter School She actively mentors doctoral researchers and teaches courses including 'Ultrafast Nanoscience' and 'Festkörperphysik' (Solid State Physics), with current team members including Trideep Kawde, Matteo Russo, and Pavel Trofimov. Her laboratory features custom-built instrumentation optimized for heterogeneous nanomaterials with micron-scale sample areas.
