Research
The research at HZB is divided into four scientific divisions:
In the division Functional Materials a large variety of substances are investigated. The spectrum ranges from modern metallic materials through novel polymers to biological substances like proteins. The focus is on the atomistic and microscopic structure and dynamics of these materials. With the exceptional variety of experimental methods available the objective is to achieve a better understanding of these substances and to design new functional materials for the future.
HZB operates two large scale facilities: the research reactor BER II and the electron storage ring BESSY II. These are available to researchers from all over the world for their own research questions, with assistance from our scientists. They provide an outstanding user support at highly modern labs. It is unique in Germany that such large devices - a neutron source and a synchrotron source - are operated by one institution.
Magnetic materials form the base of many advanced technological applications. The research performed at the Magnetic Materials division aims at a microscopic understanding of fundamental aspects of magnetism in the solid state. For this purpose, the structure and dynamics of magnetic model systems are studied at the atomic level by applying extreme conditions like temperatures close to absolute zero, high magnetic fields, high pressure, or ultra-short laser pulses. A broad range of experimental techniques is employed utilizing both neutron and synchrotron facilities.
New photovoltaic technologies are the prerequisite for sustainable and clean large-scale electricity production and for energy storage, e.g., based on solar fuels. The fabrication of tomorrow's solar cells should be cost-efficient while conserving resources at the same time. Research at the HZB aims at providing a solid knowledge-base of all fundamental processes that determine the function of solar cells, e.g., regarding the generation and transport of charges. Further targets include developing novel photovoltaic materials, cell architectures, and production processes. Researchers at the HZB are committed to employ new fundamental knowledge for realizing prototype next-generation solar cells to enable innovative technologies in cooperation with industry partners.
