Research Labworks for MSc

Seeing is believing. This sentence is as true as it is tricky. Most cellular components and processes, crucial for the nuanced understanding of (human) life, are not observable by conventional light microscopy since Abbe’s Law describes their maximum resolution to roughly half the wavelength of the observed light. This law is literally set in stone in Jena. However, over the past 15 years several ways of cleverly circumventing this diffraction limit were developed and implemented, achieving three-dimensional resolutions down to the nanometer range, resulting in the ever-growing field of optical super-resolution microscopy, for which the 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded.

The aim of this projects is to introduce, understand and apply the principles of state of the art fluorescence microscopy techniques, used e.g. in a broad range of modern biomedical and cell-biological research. Students prepare their own, fluorescently labeled, biological samples and will image them on a variety of advanced microscopes with different (resolution) capabilities. The qualitative and quantitative comparison of acquired images will illustrate the advantages and limitations of the respective microscopy technique.

Goals and Context

• Principles and application of advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques
• Concept of diffraction-limited and super-resolution
• Preparation of fluorescently labeled, biological samples
• 3D & multi-colour imaging at the nanoscale

Methods

• Cell culture and wet lab
• Fluorescent labeling
• A selection of advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques from the IAOB toolbox:
  • Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
  • Array Scan Microscopy
  • Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED)
  • Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM)
  • Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM)
  • MINFLUX Nanoscopy
• Image analysis by Fiji/ImageJ

Prerequisites

• An open mind and motivation for independent thinking
• Students should be able to explain the general difference between confocal and widefield microscopy and have basic knowledge on the concepts of super-resolution microscopy (e.g. Abbe’s diffraction limit)
• You should know the basic principles of fluorescence

A good preparation for the course is the biophysics lecture from Prof. C. Eggeling

Person in charge: Christian Franke & Katharina Reglinski

Supervisors: Christian Franke & Katharina Reglinski         

Venue: Microscopy Labs of the IOAB in the ZAF and Abbeanum or at the IPHT (Beutenberg)

The topic is suitable for two groups with 1-2 students each.

In the realm of advanced scientific research, the exploration of precise measurement techniques and the development of stable optical systems have emerged as crucial endeavors. These fields have witnessed remarkable progress, enabling breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines and pushing the boundaries of our understanding. Precise measurement techniques, coupled with ultra-stable optical systems, have revolutionized fields such as quantum optics, spectroscopy, and fundamental physics research. These techniques allow us to probe the fundamental properties of matter and light with unprecedented accuracy and precision. Additionally, they enable the detection and measurement of elusive phenomena such as gravitational waves, opening up new avenues for exploring the mysteries of the universe. At the heart of these precise measurement techniques and stable optical systems lie advanced stabilization methods for optical cavities and lasers. Optical cavities, with their ability to enhance light-matter interactions, play a crucial role in achieving high-precision measurements. Stabilizing these cavities ensures their reliability and accuracy, enabling precise control over photon generation and manipulation. Our focus will extend beyond specific applications and delve into the general principles and techniques involved in stabilizing these optical systems. We will explore advanced stabilization methods such as the Side-of-Fringe (SOF) locking technique and the Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) locking technique, which are widely applicable in diverse scientific settings.

 Teaching Goals and Content

• Understand the principles and importance of optical cavities in current technologies.
• Design and construction of an optical cavity.
• Calculations of the mode-matching optics of a cavity by using ABCD matrix.
• Explore the Side-of-Fringe (SOF) locking technique for cavity stabilization.
• Explore the Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) locking technique for stabilizing optical cavities by using radiofrequency techniques.
• Compare and contrast the SOF and PDH locking techniques in terms of performance and applicability.
• Analyze the stability and reliability of the optical cavity using these locking techniques.

 Experimental Techniques and Equipment

• Optical alignment of optical cavities.
• Continuous wave pump lasers at suitable wavelengths.
• Photodetectors for monitoring the cavity's reflected and transmitted light.
• Electro-optic modulators for phase modulation in the PDH technique.
• Lock-in amplifiers for demodulation and proportional-integral (PID systems) for feedback control.
• Data acquisition systems for recording and analyzing the locking signals.

Contact:

Supervisor:    M.Sc. Pritom Paul

Place:              Fraunhofer IOF institute

For this experiment two students are recommended.

Nowadays the generation of ultra-short laser pulses with a duration down to some femto seconds is state of the art. Such pulses find their application not only in the field of scientific research to investigate ultra-fast processes, to perform ultra-precise spectroscopy, or to generate extreme electrical and magnetic fields through ultra-high light intensities, but they are also applied in material processing, medicine, especially in ophthalmology. Nevertheless, the generation and metrology of ultra-short pulses require complex measurement techniques. The basics to understand the underlying effects of pulse generation, stretching and compression as well as their measurement will be taught here. Some of these effects are based on non-linear optics and frequency conversion, that requires phase matching to get reasonable efficiencies. Second harmonic generation and two-photon absorption are used for pulse characterization by auto-correlation here. The limitations of the auto-correlation for the reconstruction of the temporal behavior of the laser field will be investigated in more detail.   

Teaching goals and content 

• Working principle and properties of solid-state lasers (Ti:sapphire)
• Cavity stability and longitudinal cavity modes
• Dependence of output power on pump power
• Generation of femtosecond pulses by Kerr-lens mode-locking
• Compensation of group velocity dispersion in optical cavities
• Impact of spectral phase on pulse duration and temporal pulse shape
• Measurement of band-width and duration of laser pulses
• Application of Fourier-Transform to explain pulse stretching and compression
• Interferometric and intensity auto-correlation and their limitations for pulse characterization
• Measurement of group velocity dispersion (GVD) of several materials

Experimental techniques and equipment

• diode-pumped, frequency-doubled 5W Nd:YV0₄-laser as pump source
• homemade Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser with prism GVD compensation
• external prism pulse compressor
• optical spectrometer
• second harmonic generating auto-correlator
• photodiodes, powermeter and oscilloscope

Contact:

Supervisor:   Dr. Joachim Hein

Place:  F-Praktikum

For this experiment two students are recommended.

Ultrashort laser pulses have a large spectral width. These pulses acquire a certain amount of chirp (modulation of the spectral phase) and thus change their temporal shape when propagating in a material with dispersion. Measuring the pulse spectrum is not sufficient to estimate the pulse width and shape because it does not contain information about the spectral phase of the pulse. Although there are some sophisticated measurement techniques available to reveal this, a simpler approach is pursued here: the extraction of spectral phase information from a second order interferometric autocorrelation. Such an autocorrelator is used to measure the pulse width of a home-built femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser. When the pulses contain a significant amount of chirp, pulse width estimation is not as simple as extracting it from the width of the autocorrelation trace. The goal of this project is to write a program, e.g. in Phython, Julia or any other programming language, to compute the higher order chirp coefficients from the measured spectrum and the interferometric autocorrelation trace. This code could be used to automate the temporal pulse characterization.

Teaching goals and content 

•  Working principle of second harmonic autocorrelation
•  Behavior of femtosecond pulses with chirp
•  Application of programming tools for data evaluation
•  Programming with open source software

Experimental techniques and equipment 

•  homemade Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser with prism GVD compensation
•  optical spectrometer
•  second harmonic generating auto-correlator
•  photodiodes, powermeter and oscilloscope

Contact:

Supervisor:   Dr. J. Hein

Place:            F-Praktikum

For this computational project one student is recommended, but two are possible as well.

Ptychography is an advanced computational imaging technique used in electron, X-ray, EUV, and visible-light microscopy to achieve high-resolution images beyond the limits of conventional lenses. It is a form of coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) that reconstructs an object's structure by analysing diffraction patterns from multiple overlapping illumination positions. In particular, it enables quantitative imaging of the sample’s transmission function in both amplitude and phase, providing access to the local density, local material composition, and local thickness of complex structures.

The aim of this project is to apply the ptychography technique to imaging of vaious biological samples and understand is principles and advantages. You will particularly investigate the influence of different scan grids and illumination beams on the image quality and resolution.

Teaching goals and content 

•  Understand the basics of ptychography
•  Perform systematic ptychography measurements on various samples
•  Apply the pty:lab toolbox to reconstruct Ptychography datasets
•  Explore the influence of the scan grid and different illumination beams on image quality and resolution

Experimental techniques and equipment 

•  Visible ligth ptychography setup
•  Pty:Lab computational toolbox (https://github.com/PtyLabExterner Link)
•  Different laser sources
•  Scientific CMOS detectors

Prerequisites

•  Interest in computational imaging
•  Basics knowledge in Optics and Fourier-Optics
•  Basic programming skills in Python or Matlab
•  Experimental skills (optical setups) and problem-solving ability

Contact:

Supervisor:   Jan Rothhardt and Cesar Jauregui

Place:            Institute of Applied Physics, Abbe-Center-of-Phtonics (Beutenberg)

The topic is suitable for one or two students.  

Flat photonics have emerged in the last few years as a disruptive technology for the manipulation of optical wavefronts. The big advantages of flat photonics are the compactness and the absence of aberration due to curved interfaces, an inherent limit in standard lenses. The concept is based upon the transverse structuring of the material, inducing a local phase delay independent from the thickness. By changing the phase across the beam cross-section, the optical propagation can be sculpted at will, going well beyond the functionality of standard lenses.

The goal here is to characterize photonic devices in glass obtained by structuring locally the material with intense pulsed beams. The large intensity of the writing beam makes the glass locally anisotropic. The control on the local anisotropy permits to control the phase delay (i.e., the optical path), allowing to write a phase hologram featuring a large degree of tunability.

The main aim of the work is to fully characterize the optical propagation after the device. To accomplish the goal, an automatized characterization set-up capable of measuring the beam profile at different distances is required. The work will include writing a Python code capable of moving a translation stage and integrate this library with the currently available software controlling an in-house made polarimeter. Once the setup is ready, the candidate will characterize beam deflectors, lenses and gratings based upon flat optics.

Teaching goals and content

•  Wavefront manipulation via holograms
•  Measurement automatization based on Python
•  Integration between different systems
•  Acquiring hands-on expertise in estimating the accuracy of a measurement
•  Learning how an imaging system works

Prerequisites

•  Fundamental optics, especially Gaussian beams and diffraction
•  Confidence with lab work
•  Basic knowledge of Python
•  Interest in photonics and modern optics

Supervisor:         Dr. Jisha Chandroth Pannian / Dr. Alessandro Alberucci

Place:                   Institute of Applied Physics (IAP, Beutenberg)

The topic is suitable for one or two students.  

Ultrashort pulse lasers are nowadays one of the most interesting types of lasers, since they have opened up new applications in the scientific, medical and industrial fields. In fact, achieving ultrashort pulses (<1ps) is a unique ability of lasers that separate them from other light sources. Usually such ultrashort pulses, which are some of the shortest events ever created by Mankind, are obtained using the technique of mode locking, which has become one of the most important methods in modern lasers.

Additionally, among all available laser architectures, fiber lasers have stablished themselves as one of the most attractive types of lasers due to their simplicity, efficiency, low-cost, maintenance-free nature, compactness, robustness and high-power scalability. In fact, fiber lasers are currently replacing more traditional types of lasers in many applications.

In this project, you will get to know fiber lasers by building and characterizing a mode-locked fiber laser able to deliver several 100 fs pulses. In this project you will build the cavity, try out different configurations and learn about the physics of mode locking. At the end, you will have created from scratch one of the most appealing types of lasers: an ultrafast fiber laser.

Teaching Goals and Content

• Understand the principles of mode-locking and fiber lasers.
• Design and construct a fiber cavity.
• Use of Semiconductor-Saturable Absorber Mirrors (SESAMs) to achieve mode-locking.
• Learn to characterize an ultrafast laser.
• Analyze the performance of the laser as different parameters of the cavity are changed.
• Perform simulations of the laser.

Experimental Techniques and Equipment

• Handling of optical fibers (stripping, cleaving, splicing, etc).
• Coupling of optical radiation in/out of a fiber.
• Use of SESAMs.
• Systematic characterization of the laser performance using, e.g. power meters, spectrometers, etc.

Contact:

Supervisor:     Cesar Jauregui & Jan Rothhardt

Place:              Institute of Applied Physics/Abbe center of Photonics

This experiment can be carried out by one of two students.

Learning target and topics

• Thin metal layers: deposition, characterization of the layer properties and structure
• High vacuum technology
• Introduction and application of various analysis methods
  •  Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX)
  •  Scanning Tunneling or Atomic Force Microscopy (STM, AFM)
  •  AugerElectronSpectroscopy (AES)
  •  X-ray diffractometry

Experimental equipment

•  Sputter coating system from Oxford Instruments
•  Thermal evaporation system (self-made)
•  Mass Spectrometer for residual gas analysis
•  Scanning Electron Microscope
•  Atomic Force Microscope
•  Scanning Tunneling Microscope
•  Auger Electron Spectrometer

Supervisor:   MSc. Markus Walther & Dr. Thomas Siefke

Venue:           F-Praktikum, IFK and IOQ

The topic is suitable for one or two students.

Single crystalline metal layers on natural mica are often used in electronic devices such as transistors, solar cells, and sensors, due to their high electrical conductivity and mechanical stability. Additionally, they can be used as a substrate for growing other single crystalline materials, such as semiconductors, which can be used in electronic devices as well. The high thermal and chemical stability of natural mica also makes it an ideal substrate for a wide range of applications, such as in the aerospace and automotive industries. Overall, the cost-effective fabrication of single crystalline metal layers on natural mica can have a significant impact on the development of new technologies and the improvement of existing ones.

The experiment aims to fabricate and investigate the properties of single crystalline metal layers using a thermal evaporation method. In this process, the metal material will be thermally evaporated onto a substrate of natural mica under specific conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and evaporation rate, to achieve single crystalline growth. The substrate will be carefully chosen, cleaned and prepared to ensure optimal growth conditions.

The characterization of the fabricated metal layers will be done using a combination of techniques including atomic force microscopy (AFM) and x-ray diffraction studies (XRD). The AFM will be used to observe the surface morphology of the metal layers, including the thickness, uniformity, and surface roughness. The XRD will be used to determine the crystal structure of the metal layers, including the crystal size, lattice spacing, and crystal orientation, as well as to identify any defects or impurities in the crystal structure.

The goal of the experiment is to understand how the thermal evaporation fabrication method and process conditions affect the properties of single crystalline metal layers and how such layers can be used in various applications such as electronics, catalysis, and sensing. The experiment will also help in understanding the relationship between the growth conditions and the crystal structure and will provide a better understanding of the fundamental physics of metal growth.

The main goals of this experiment are:

• Fabrication of single crystalline metal layers using thermal evaporation
• Investigation of the structural and morphological properties

Prerequisites:

• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques
• Basic understanding of crystal growth and crystal structure

Methods:

• Thermal evaporation setup
• Atomic force microscopy (AFM)
• X-ray diffraction studies (XRD)

Contact:

Supervisor: Dr. Marco Grünewald

Language: German or English

Venue: F-Praktikum and labs of the IOQ

The topic is suitable for one or two students.

Semiconductor devices form the foundation of modern electronics, from diodes and transistors to integrated circuits. Understanding how these devices are fabricated is an essential part of micro- and nanotechnology education.

This project introduces students to the basic fabrication processes used to create a PN junction on a silicon chip. Participants will gain hands-on experience with thin-film deposition, photolithography, and spin-on dopant techniques. The process includes patterning a silicon substrate, depositing masking layers, introducing dopants through a spin-on glass method, and performing high-temperature annealing to drive dopants into the silicon lattice.

Through this project, students will learn the fundamental steps involved in semiconductor device fabrication and gain practical experience with cleanroom processing techniques used in microelectronics research and industry.

Contact:

Supervisor:   MSc. Nishitha Prabhakaran & Dr. Thomas Siefke

Venue:           Clean room of the IFK and F-Praktikum

The topic is suitable for one or two students.

According to de Broglie matter has not only particle but also wave character. It was shown that electrons, due to their rest mass, already exhibit wavelengths of around 1 angstrom at acceleration voltages of about 150 V, which is in the range of atomic distances in solids. Crystals therefore represent natural diffraction gratings for accelerated electrons, just as they do for X-rays of similar wavelengths. However, due to the strong inelastic interaction between electrons and atoms, the inelastic mean free path of electrons in solids ranges from less than 1 to several 100 nm which is thus considerably smaller than for X-rays. This makes electron diffraction especially suited for the investigation of crystalline surfaces and thin layers.

The aim of this projects is to understand principles of a special type of electron diffraction, namely X-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPD). This method enables an element specific analysis of the structure of a crystalline surface. For comparison, low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) will also be performed as a widely used characterization method for inorganic compounds. Students will learn how to prepare their own samples, starting from cleaning single-crystal surfaces, followed by the deposition of films via molecular beam epitaxy as well as their structural characterization by means of LEED and XPD. All preparation and analyzing steps are performed under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions.

Goals and context

• principles and application of electron diffraction in two dimensions (2D)
• concept of reciprocal space
• preparation of atomically clean single crystals and two dimensional materials
• highly-ordered ultrathin layers by molecular beam epitaxy
• vacuum technology (pumps, gauges, rest gas analysis etc.)

Methods

• UHV chambers with:
  • Photoelectron spectroscopy setup (X-ray source, hemispherical analyzer)
  • MCP-LEED (electron gun, phosphor screen, micro channel plates, camera)
  • sputter gun and sample heater
  • vacuum pumps (roughing, turbo, ion getter, and titanium pump)
• metal single crystals as sample substrates

Contact:

Supervisor: MSc. Maximilian Schaal & Dr. Felix Otto    

Venue: Labs of AG Fritz (ZAF)

The topic is suitable for two students.

Thin layers are layers with thicknesses in the micrometer and nanometer range. Their physical parameters such as electrical conductivity often deviates from that of the bulk material, allowing for altered, tailored properties and new functionalities. In addition, the material savings are often of great economic importance. Well known is the application in the field of protection against environmental conditions, e.g. against corrosion or oxidation. However, thin layers are most important in microelectronics, where almost all components are manufactured using thin-film technology. In optics, thin layers and layer stacks are used to influence the reflection and transmission behavior, but also the polarization. In particular, layer systems play a prominent role in X-ray optics.

In the internship, metallic layers are usually deposited and characterized by different methods. Concrete topics and goals, amongst others taken from current research projects, are proposed by the supervisor at the beginning of the internship, but can be discussed and adapted depending on the interests.

Learning goals and content:

• Deposition of thin metal layers by means of various coating methods (sputter coating, thermal evaporation)
• Characterization of the layer properties (e.g., composition, roughness, crystalline properties) depending on substrate properties and coating parameters (e.g. chamber pressure, residual gas composition, process times, substrate heating)
• Introduction and application of various analysis methods
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX)
  • Scanning Tunneling or Atomic Force Microscopy (STM, AFM)
  • Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES)
  • X-ray diffractometry (in cooperation with the X-ray group)

Experimental equipment:

• Sputter coating system from Oxford Instruments
• Thermal evaporation system (self-made)
• Mass Spectrometer for residual gas analysis
• Quartz layerthickness monitor
• Scanning Electron Microscope
• Atomic Force Microscope
• Scanning Tunneling Microscope
• Auger Electron Spectrometer

Contact:

Supervisor:  MSc. Markus Walther & Dr. Thomas Siefke

Venue:           F-Praktikum

The topic is suitable for one or two students.

Ferroelectricity (FE) is a material property characterized by a spontaneous electric polarization that can be switched by an external electric field. Recently, atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) materials have been discovered to exhibit ferroelectric behavior even down to a few atomic layers, opening new opportunities for next-generation nanoelectronics, memory devices, and optoelectronic technologies. [1].

In this context, second-harmonic generation (SHG) interference microscopy provides a powerful optical technique for detecting ferroelectric order.

In this lab project, we will explore how nonlinear optical (NLO) techniques can be used to probe FE order in layered materials. In particular, we will investigate electrically controlled FE switching in few-layer In₂Se₃, a prominent 2D ferroelectric material. [2].

Students will exfoliate thin flakes of In₂Se₃, fabricate and measure a field-effect transistor (FET) device, and use SHG microscopy to directly probe symmetry changes associated with FE switching

Objectives

• Understand NLO processes (SHG) in 2D materials.
• Explore the relationship between FE order and NLO response.
• Investigate electrically-induced FE switching in layered materials.

Experimental techniques

• Mechanical exfoliation of 2D materials
• Electrical transport measurements in FET devices.
• SHG interference microscopy

Supervisor: Omid Ghaebi

Venue: GUFOS, IFK (Room E002)

The topic can be worked on by one or two students. Supervision is possible in English.

Students should coordinate the experiment day with their supervisor (Wednesday or Thursday). Cannot be simulataneously with "Photoluminescence Filtering in TMD/Graphene Heterostructures"!

References

[1] C. Wang et al., Nat. Mater. (2023).
[2] J. Xiao et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 227601 (2018). 

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are direct-gap semiconductors, where light absorption and emission arise from a variety of excitonic quasi-particles, such as neutral bright A and B excitons, dark spin-forbidden excitons, biexcitons, trions, and charged biexcitons [1].  Discriminating the optical emission from these different excitonic species therefore requires careful spectral filtering and analysis, which is essential for optoelectronic and photonic applications based on layered materials [2,3].

When a monolayer TMD is brought into contact with graphene, the optical emission spectrum changes dramatically. Because graphene provides an ultrafast non-radiative relaxation channel, long-lived excitonic states are efficiently quenched, while fast radiative recombination processes can remain visible [2,3].

In this lab project, students will fabricate TMD/graphene heterostructures and explore how graphene can act as an optical emission filter in van der Waals heterostructures. Students will measure and compare photoluminescence (PL) spectra of atomically thin semiconductors with and without graphene. By analyzing the spectral differences, they will identify how graphene selectively suppresses specific emission channels.

This experiment illustrates how charge transfer and ultrafast relaxation processes influence optical emission in two-dimensional materials (2D materials).

Objectives

• Basics of PL spectroscopy
• Charge transfer in van der Waals heterostructures

Experimental techniques

• Mechanical exfoliation of 2D materials
• PL spectroscopy
• Spectral analysis of excitonic emission

Supervisor: Omid Ghaebi

Venue: GUFOS, IFK (Room E011)

The topic can be worked on by one or two students. Supervision is possible in English.

Students should coordinate the experiment day with their supervisor (Wednesday or Thursday). Cannot be simulataneously with "Probing Ferroelectric Order in Layered Materials Using Ultrafast Nonlinear Optics"!

References

[1] C. Wang et al., Rev. Mod. Phys (2018).
[2] O. Ghaebi et al., ACS Nano (2025).
[3] E. Lorchat et al., Nat. Nanotechnol. (2020)

Titanium-6Aluminum-4Vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) is a widely used alloy in biomedical implants due to its mechanical stability and biocompatibility. However, the initial interaction between an implant surface and the physiological environment is governed by interfacial phenomena such as wettability, protein adsorption, and early-stage microbial attachment. Surface wetting behavior plays a critical role in these processes, as it influences liquid spreading, adsorption kinetics, and the formation of conditioning films. Understanding how physical surface parameters affect wetting is therefore directly relevant to strategies aimed at improving implant integration and potentially reducing infection risk without relying on chemical modifications.
Our research group currently investigates etched and thermally treated titanium surfaces as model systems for controlled surface modification. Thermal treatment is known to alter oxide structure, surface energy, and nanoscale morphology of titanium surfaces. These changes may significantly affect both static and dynamic wetting behavior. This project focuses on water contact angle measurements and their correlation with quantitatively characterized surface topography. By combining atomic force microscopy (AFM) with water contact angle (WCA) measurements, students will establish a physics-based relationship between nanoscale roughness and macroscopic wetting response. The project integrates experimental characterization, theoretical modeling, and numerical analysis to identify how thermally induced surface modifications translate into measurable functional differences. The overarching goal is to derive a consistent material–property relationship relevant to biomaterial surface design.

Goals and Context

• Establish a material–property relationship between nanoscale topography and macroscopic wettability.
• Compare polished and alkaline-etched titanium-based surfaces before and after controlled thermal treatment.
• Analyze wetting behavior in the context of biomaterials and infection-related surface interactions.
• Extract physically meaningful parameters (e.g., roughness factor, real-to-projected area ratio, characteristic spreading time).
• Evaluate whether observed changes are primarily topography-driven or potentially influenced by surface chemistry.
• Apply statistical analysis and uncertainty estimation to ensure reproducibility.
• Integrate experimental findings with established wetting models.

Methods

• Advanced literature review (Young’s equation, Wenzel and Cassie–Baxter models, dynamic spreading theory)
• Controlled thermal treatment of titanium or titanium alloy samples
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) measurements
• Students attend SEM imaging sessions for complementary morphological characterization
• Static and time-resolved Water Contact Angle (WCA) measurements
• Image-based droplet contour fitting and extraction of spreading kinetics
• Numerical data evaluation and model fitting
• Statistical analysis of repeat measurements and error propagation

Contact:

Person in charge: Prof. Dr. Klaus D. Jandt
Supervisor: M.Sc. Adrian Nowotnick
Venue: OSIM, Löbdergraben 32
Up to two students (one pair)

This project aims to enhance the antimicrobial performance of Titanium-6Aluminum-4Vanadium (Ti6Al4V) wires through controlled chemical etching. While the alloy is well established for biomedical applications due to its strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, its surface provides limited resistance to bacterial adhesion. The objective is to engineer nanoscale surface structures and tailored oxide chemistries that reduce microbial colonization without affecting bulk properties.
Systematic variation of treatment time, and temperature will be used to define a reproducible process window for homogeneous surface modification of wire geometries. Surface characterization (e.g. SEM, contact angle measurements, EDX, XPS) will correlate process parameters with morphology, roughness, wettability, and surface chemistry.

Goal and context

• Chemical etching of Ti6Al4V wires
• Surface characterization
• Investigation of the relationship between process parameters and
  material structure/composition

Methods

•  Chemical etching
• Contact angle measurements
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
• X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)

Contact:

Person in charge: Prof. Dr. Klaus D. Jandt
Supervisor: Dr. Kristin Griebenow
Venue: OSIM, Löbdergraben 32
The project can be conducted by one or two students.

Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant protein in blood plasma and an attractive building block for biointerfaces due to its biocompatibility and versatile surface interactions. Under specific conditions (e.g. ethanol-assisted self-assembly), HSA can form nanoscale fibrillar structures. Such protein-based nanostructures are of interest for tailoring surface properties of biomaterials, including wettability, protein adsorption behavior, and potentially cell–material interactions.
In this project, the focus will be on the controlled formation of HSA nanofibers and their integration with bioactive glass nanoparticles to create a hybrid nano-structured coating concept. A student will assist in preparing substrates, establishing reproducible assembly conditions, and characterizing the resulting surfaces/structures using standard surface- and nano-characterization techniques.

Goal and context

• Development of protein-based nanofibrous structures (HSA) under controlled conditions
• Fabrication of hybrid nano-interfaces by combining HSA nanofibers with bioactive glass nanoparticles
• Surface and nano-structure characterization and interpretation
• Insight into biomaterials research: structure–property relationships at interfaces

Methods

• Literature research on HSA self-assembly, ethanol-induced nanofiber formation, and bioactive glass nanoparticles
• Atomic force microscopy (AFM) for nanoscale morphology characterization
• Water contact angle (WCA) measurements for the characterization of the wettability

Prerequisites

• Interest in biomaterials, nanostructures, and surface science
• Careful laboratory work and good documentation habits
• Basic chemistry lab experience mandatory

Contact:

Person in charge: Prof. Klaus. D. Jandt
Supervisor: Zhongqian Xi
Venue: OSIM, Löbedegraben 32, 07743, Jena
Number of students: 1 student

Biomaterials associated infections frequently occur with the treatment of injured and/or diseased bones with implants. These infections can have serious outcomes, even leading to death, and are currently treated with antibiotics. Due to the increasing number of antibiotic resistances, it is urgently necessary to find suitable alternatives. Designing antibiotic free antimicrobial biomaterials has become an important research topic in the field of biomaterials science and engineering. Due to their natural biocompatibility, self-assembled protein nanofibers (PNFs) have great potential for use in biomedical applications.
The aim of this project is to understand the principles and kinetics of the self-assembly mechanism of proteins under acidic conditions. During the fibril formation, protein monomers unfold, form small oligomers and elongate into nanofibrils. By understanding the fibrillar growth, protein oligomers and short nanofibrils of a desired size can be obtained. The morphology of these proteineous structures will be investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). In a following step, self-assembled protein oligomers with the desired dimensions will be immobilized in the pores of nanorough Ti6Al4V surfaces to obtain new implant coatings. The coatings obtained will be characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and water contact angle measurements.

Goals and context

• Investigation of self-assembly mechanisms of proteins
• Characterization of self-assembled protein structures
• Matching the size of protein oligomers to the pore size of Ti6Al4V surfaces
• Design of new implant coatings
• Characterization of implant coatings

Methods

• Synthesis and characterization of self-assembled protein aggregates
• Drop-casting to immobilize proteins on mica substrate
• AFM to detect and characterize protein dimensions
• SEM to investigate the morphology of the implant coating (handling of the SEM will be done by the supervisor or technician)
• Water contact angle measurements of implant coatings

Prerequisites

• Interest in soft matter physics and materials science

Contact:

Person in charge: Prof. Dr. Klaus D. Jandt
Supervisor: MSc Linus Reck
Venue: OSIM, Löbdergraben 32

The topic is suitable for two students (pair).

The self-assembly process of proteins is of great importance in nature, enabling the protein to assume a unique structure, giving it properties necessary for specific tasks. The adopted conformation itself is highly dependent on the physical environment and can therefore be manipulated by it, making the selective formation of many different nanostructures possible.

One of the most investigated structures many proteins can assume is that of a long and extremely thin fiber, often connected with exceptional mechanical properties with the most famous example being spider silk, which attracted much attention in materials science.

In addition, protein nanofibers possess innate high biocompatibility and biodegradability with some being endowed with antimicrobial and/or bone promoting properties. These properties can be leveraged by developing novel protein nanofiber coatings which can be used for giving medical implants antimicrobial properties and accelerate bone growth improving initial and long-term success.

The aim of this project is to investigate the conditions for fiber formation and characterize the resulting nanofiber network. The aim of this project may be discussed and adjusted if desired/necessary.

Goals and Context

• Creation of a protein nanofiber coating via self-assembly
• Applying this coating onto a substrate
• Characterize the nanofiber coating
• Identify impact of environmental parameters on fiber structure
• Structure-property relationships of materials
• Insight into novel surface engineering strategies

Methods

• Advanced literature research
• Analysis of nanofiber coating using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (handling of the device will be performed by a technician)
• Water contact angle (WCA) analysis
• Ethanol-induced self-assembly

Prerequisites

• Interest in materials and cross disciplinary science

Contact

Person in charge: Prof. Dr. Klaus D. Jandt
Supervisor: M. Sc. Nils Wolf
Venue: OSIM, Löbdergraben 32
This topic is suitable for one or two students.

Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), well known for its outstanding mechanical properties such as high durability and chemical resistance, is used for a multitude of applications from conveyor systems to orthopedic joint replacements. Yet these very same properties make it difficult to fabricate, which represents a challenge when developing novel applications.
Within this work the modification of UHMWPE surfaces through thermal-nanoimprint lithography will be the focus. During this process the material is heated up until it reaches a point at which it can be deformed through the use of a mold and the application of high pressures.
Consequently, a heating press will be used within this project to imprint a defined surface structure into the polymer surface. Afterwards, atomic force microscopy and water contact angle measurements will be used to characterize the resulting surface structure and evaluate the success of the modification.

Goal and context

• Creation of nanostructured polymer surfaces
• Surface characterization
• Insight into research and development of novel materials
• Structure-property relationships of materials

Methods

• Literature research
• Thermal nanoimprinting of UHMWPE with a heated press
• Surface characterization with an atomic force microscope (AFM)
• Water contact angle (WCA) measurements

Prerequisites

•  Interest in solid states physics and material science

Contact:

Person in charge: Prof. Dr. Klaus D. Jandt
Supervisor: M.Sc. Ernst A. Weiß
Venue: OSIM, Löbdergraben 32
The Topic is suitable for one student

Chirped laser pulses have been widely applied in physics to better control the pulse duration and energy of laser pulses, and eventually to steer the interaction of light with matter. A chirp hereby refers to laser pulses with a frequency that varies over time, and where a red-chirped pulse starts with lower frequency and ends up at a high frequencies. There are several parameters that help distinguish between different chirped ultra-short light pulses, including linear, non-linear and others. –  Chirped pulses are used in fiber-optic communication, for data compression as well as for cooling and manipulating atoms, among other applications.

In this project, we wish to analyze and understand the basic (Fourier-) Transformations that help imprint a chirp upon pre-defined laser pulses. Beside of the algebraic evaluation of useful Fourier integrals, this may include numerical solutions for selected pulse shapes.

Goals of the project

• Recall the 1-dim Fourier transformation of simple pulse form.
• Compared different pulses in the time and frequency domain.
• Understand how laser pulses are formed and how light is amplified.
• Understand the notion of electron vortices.
• What is the time-frequency uncertainty and how does it affect the propagation of all electro-magnetic signals ?

Prerequisites:

• basic knowledge of quantum mechanics
• programming skills (Python, Julia, C)

Contact:

Supervision:  Prof. Stephan Fritzsche, Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut

Where: Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut & Helmholtz-Institut Jena, Frauenhoferstr. 8.

Per term, one or two students may work on the project

Goals and context

This lab project provides a first encounter with the modern technique of functional renormalization – used in many branches of quantum field theory, statistical physics, condensed matter physics and quantum gravity – in the context of an elementary quantum mechanical problem in order to reduce complexity. The goal is to determine the ground state energy and the energy of the first excited state of the anharmonic oscillator at strong coupling which corresponds to a 0+1 dimensional quantum field theory.

While the strong-coupling domain is inaccessible to perturbative methods such as expansions in powers of the coupling, functional renormalization can address this regime with a combination of largely analytical methods in combination with computer algebra support for efficiency. The methods learned in this project are directly transferable to quantum field theory and its application to many topical fields in fundamental physics.

This project will provide basic knowledge and practical skills to conduct a study of the strongly coupled quantum mechanical system from first principles. The project requires to acquire basic knowledge of path integral quantization and the reformulation of the path integral into a functional renormalization group equation. In the context of the strongly coupled quantum particle in a potential, this leads to a flow equation for the quantum effective potential.

The latter is a partial differential equation which then needs to be solved using computeralgebraic or numerical means. Beyond performing analytical calculations, basic programming skills will be trained together with a post-processing of acquired numerical data.

Methods

•  Quantum theory, functional renormalization

Prerequisites

•  Knowledge of quantum mechanics including path integral quantization and elements of computer algebra are requested.
•  Knowledge (or interest in acquiring basic skills) of quantum field theory and are
  an asset.

Organization

Person in charge: Prof. Dr. Holger Gies

Supervisor: Dr. Yunxin Ye, Prof. Dr. Holger Gies

Place: TPI, Abbeanum

Quantum computations with trapped 40Ca+ ions encode qubits in long-lived internal electronic states, typically the S1/2 ground state and a metastable D5/2  state. Individual qubit rotations are implemented by resonant laser pulses that drive coherent Rabi oscillations between these two levels, described by some simple Hamiltonian in the in the rotating-wave approximation.

Entangling gates exploit the shared quantized motional modes of ions confined in a linear Paul trap, which act as a quantum bus mediating spin–motion coupling. In particular, the Mølmer–Sørensen gate uses bichromatic laser fields tuned near motional sidebands to generate an effective spin–spin interaction without requiring individual motional ground-state preparation at each step. High-fidelity two-qubit operations can nowadays be realized, forming a universal gate set together with single-qubit rotations. Readout is typically performed by state-dependent fluorescence on a some other transition and allows a projective measurement of the qubit state.

This project aims to understand how gate operations can be realized and which quantum computers are available, based on such ions.

Goals of the project

• Model single-qubit Rabi oscillations and simulate population dynamics under resonant and detuned laser driving.
• Implement sideband transitions and numerically study spin–motion coupling in a two-level plus harmonic-mode model.
• Simulate the Mølmer–Sørensen gate and verify generation of a maximally entangled Bell state.
• Analyze gate fidelity as a function of detuning, motional frequency, and laser phase noise.
• Construct and simulate a small quantum circuit, such as the creation of a Bell state or a simple Deutsch–Jozsa algorithm, by using single-qubit rotations and one entangling gate.

Prerequisites:

• basic knowledge of quantum mechanics
• programming skills (Python, Julia)

Contact:

Supervision:  Prof. Stephan Fritzsche, Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut

Where: Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut & Helmholtz-Institut Jena, Frauenhoferstr. 8.

Per term, one or two students may work on the project

Quantum computations in a harmonic-oscillator basis aims to expand the unknown (nuclear) wave function, for instance of a deuteron, into a discrete set of well-defined and orthonormal oscillator eigenstates. To this end, one typically separates the center-of-mass motion and describes the relative motion of a two-particle system in terms of harmonic-oscillator (radial) wave functions and angular-momentum states. The Schrö-dinger equation is then transformed into a matrix eigenvalue problem by computing Hamiltonian matrix elements in this basis and diagonalizing the resulting finite matrix.

While the oscillator basis cannot reproduce the correct asymptotic tail of the wave functions with a small number of states, a systematic enlargement of the basis enables one to control convergence. Moreover, the analytic properties of HO functions simplify the evaluation of kinetic-energy and interaction matrix elements, which is one reason why this basis is widely used in nuclear-structure theory and elsewhere.

This project aims to understand and to implement how simple quantum computations can be done, either on a real quantum computer or some classical conterpart. We also wish to analyze the efficiency of such a scheme.

Goals of the project

• Derive and implement the radial harmonic-oscillator wave functions and verify their orthonormality numerically.
• Construct and diagonalize the kinetic-energy operator in a truncated harmonic-oscillator basis.
• Implement a simple model interaction (e.g., a Gaussian potential) and compute the deuteron ground-state energy variationally.
• Decompose the two-particle Hamiltonian into quantum circuits and use openFermions (software) to determine expectation values.

Prerequisites:

• basic knowledge of quantum mechanics
• programming skills (Python, Julia)

Contact:

Supervision:  Prof. Stephan Fritzsche, Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut

Where: Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut & Helmholtz-Institut Jena, Frauenhoferstr. 8.

Per term, one or two students may work on the project

Goals and context

This lab project provides a comprehensive introduction to atomistic quantum-mechanical simulations, specifically utilizing density-functional theory (DFT), for investigating the properties of nanomaterials. DFT enables parameter-free simulations and analysis of material characteristics, offering a powerful complement to experiments.

In recent years, low-dimensional semiconductors, such as transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers, have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional optical properties and potential for next-generation optoelectronic applications. Their mechanical flexibility further allows for the creation of van der Waals heterostructures by combining single layers of the same or different materials. This versatility opens up a vast landscape of novel materials with tunable characteristics that can be efficiently disclosed from first principles.

This project will provide basic knowledge and practical skills to conduct ab initio simulations on low-dimensional materials using DFT. Key tasks include structure optimization, calculations of electronic properties (including quantum effects), and comparison against available experimental data. Beyond running calculations, basic programming skills (preferentially in Python) will be trained to prepare or customize post-processing and visualization scripts.

The specific research focus will be tailored to align with the interests of the participating students, ensuring an engaging and personalized learning experience.

Methods

•  Density functional theory

Prerequisites

•  Knowledge of quantum mechanics and elements of programming are requested
•  Knowledge of solid-state theory and Python are an asset.

Organization

Person in charge: Prof. Dr. Caterina Cocchi

Supervisor: Dr. M. Sufyan Ramzan, Prof. Dr. Caterina Cocchi

Place: IFTO, Abbeanum

Goals and context

This project introduces parameter-free simulations of nanoclusters using spin-polarized Density Functional Theory (SP-DFT) calculations to probe magnetic edge states and competing spin orientations in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) and their heterostructures. The adopted method, leveraging the efficiency of standard DFT, includes spin-polarization to account for local magnetic moments, which crucially impact on the structural stability and electronic structure of these materials.

A recent study [1] reported magnetism in S-terminated and H-passivated triangular MoS2 quantum dots. These magnetic nanoflakes provide high-density spin-centers making them promising building blocks for next-generation low-dimensional spintronic devices. However, it remains unexplored how these magnetic states evolve when such nanoflakes are adsorbed on or inlaid on 2D TMDCs to build functional devices.

The students will learn the foundations of SP-DFT and apply it to perform ab initio simulations on mixed dimensional interfaces. Key tasks include identifying candidate spin configurations, optimizing structures with local magnetic moment, and computing the electronic properties. Python scripts will be produced and customized for data analysis and visualization.

[1]  S. Kumar, S. Velja, M. S. Ramzan, and C. Cocchi, “Edge magnetism in colloidal MoS2 triangular nanoflakes,” RSC Adv., vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 2333–2341, 2026, doi: 10.1039/D5RA08271D.

Methods

•  Spin-polarized density functional theory (SP-DFT)

Prerequisites

•  Knowledge of quantum mechanics and density functional theory are essential.
•  Knowledge of solid-state theory and Python programming are an asset.

Organization

Person in charge: Prof. Dr. Caterina Cocchi
Supervisor: Dr. M. Sufyan Ramzan, Prof. Dr. Caterina Cocchi
Place: IFTO, Abbeanum

Possible topics within this project are:

• Entanglement and its entropy measures in quantum mechanics
• Supersymmetric quantum mechanics
• Magnetic monopoles and quantization of electric charge
• Magnetic monopoles in theoretical condensed matter physics: From the Berry phase in quantum mechanics to the field theoretical description of Weyl semimetals
• Do particles exist interpolating between a fermionic and a bosonic behaviour? Anyons and their description in terms of Chern-Simons theory.
• Hawking radiation and evaporating quantum black holes*
  
  *basic knowledge of general relativity and quantum field theory required.

Contact

Supervision: Prof. Dr. Martin Ammon

Venue: Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut, Fröbelstieg 1 (Abbeanum)

One or two students may work on this topic per term.

Goals and context

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a central part of computational physics and has been a driver for the development of modern numerical methods. It involves solving flow mechanical problems that cannot be solved analytically and are expensive to study experimentally by integrating generally nonlinear, partial differential equations.

In this project, the students will apply numerical methods to solve the Navier-Stokes-Equations for the case of an incompressible fluid to study flow within a cavity and flow around obstacles.

Methods

Timestepping schemes for integration of hyperbolic equations as well as a relaxation scheme for solving elliptic equations will be employed to solve the Navier-Stokes-Equations numerically on a staggered grid in two dimensions. The stability and convergence behavior of these schemes will be examinated.

The students will use C/C++, Python or Matlab to implement these methods.

Prerequisites

•  Basic knowledge of partial differential equations
•  Basic knowledge of numerical methods
•  Familiarity with at least one of the suggested programming languages

Contact:

Person in charge: Prof. Dr. Bernd Brügmann

Supervision: Praveer Gollapudi

Place:  Abbeanum, Fröbelstieg 1 or PAF Computerpool

Per term, one or two students may work on the topic

Goals and context

The strong coupling of light to quantum systems relies on the confinement of electromagnetic fields to sub-wavelength volumes. This can be achieved by hybrid nanophotonic quantum systems, in which photonic nanostructures support tightly confined electromagnetic resonances. Computer simulations are an essential part of this research since the fabrication of nanoscopic structures is challenging and the experimental characterization of optical fields at the few photon level with nanometer resolution is equally complicated. Therefore, reliable simulation methods are required to calculate the electromagnetic response of nanostructured matter in advance. Since we are dealing with structures in the sub-wavelength range, "rigorous" methods are needed, which solve Maxwell´s equations without any approximation. Different approaches have explored for certain classes of nanophotonic structures (micro and nano cavities, metasurfaces, nanoantennas).

Methods

The students will implement and use a rigorous numerical method (FDTD or FEM) for the solution of electrodynamic problems. They will either use one of the existing professional implementations of such methods or will be working on their own implementation in a programming language suitable for high-performance computing. The method will be used to simulate the behavior of a nanophotonic structure and to investigate the coupling to quantum systems.

Programming can be done in any language preferred by the students, but Python and Matlab are supported by existing implementations.

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of electrodynamics and related partial differential equations
• Basic knowledge of optics
• Basic knowledge of numerical methods
• Familiar with at least one programming language supporting numerical simulations (preferred Python or Matlab)

Contact:

Person in charge: Prof. Dr. Thomas Pertsch

Supervisor: Dr. Ángela Barreda

Place: Abbe Center of Photonics, Campus Beutenberg

Per term, one group of one or two students may work on the topic.

Goals and context

Quantum computers promise a runtime advantage compared to their classical counterparts for certain tasks. However, currently existing quantum devices operate with moderate numbers of qubits and are prone to errors due to experimental noise and decoherence. To show that quantum computers provide an actual advantage requires outperforming the best algorithms for simulating quantum dynamics on classical computer, which led to a race between scaling up quantum hardware and improving classical simulation algorithms.

The goal of this project is to build a classical emulator of quantum circuits and to use it to simulate one of the major quantum algorithms. Also, you will explore how to model noise and errors in quantum devices. The focus of the project can be adapted depending on pace and interests of the students.

Methods

•  Quantum gates, quantum circuit model, quantum algorithms
•  Open system dynamics simulation through quantum channels/Lindblad mater equation
•  Numerical methods for linear algebra: Sparse matrices, eigenvalue problems
•  Numerical solution of ordinary differential equations, numerical integrators
•  Visualization tools for numerical data
•  Use of libraries for quantum circuit emulation like qiskit, qutip etc.

Instructions will be provided in Jupyter notebooks with code examples in Python. If preferred, another programming language can be used.

Prerequisites

•  Solid knowledge quantum mechanics
•  Basic knowledge of numerical methods
•  Familiarity with Python programming language and use of numpy/scipy libraries (or another programming language suitable for numerical simulation such as Julia, Matlab,...)
•  Basic knowledge of quantum optics is useful

Organization

Person in charge: Prof. Dr. Martin Gärttner

Supervisor: Mirco Erpelding, Prof. Dr. Martin Gärttner

Place: IFTO, Abbeanum

Per term, one group of one or two students may work on the topic.

Goals and context

• Basic concept of hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs) and the initial-boundary value problem (IVBP)
• Finite differencing methods for derivative approximation
• Method-of-line for time-domain PDEs with Runge-Kutta timesteps
• Numerical implementation of methods to solve multi-D PDEs
• Concepts of numerical stability and convergence

Methods

The students will solve the IBVP with the wave equation in 1+1 and 2+1 dimensions (one time dimension and one and two spatial dimensions) numerically. The project has different sequential steps:

• Wave equation and reduction to first order system
• Characteristic analysis and well-posedness
• Finite differencing approximation of derivatives and convergence
• Runge-Kutta time integrators
• Solution of IBVP withthe 1+1 wave equation and periodic boundaries using the method of lines
• Stability and convergence
• IBVP with open boundaries and Sommerfeld boundary conditions
• Wave equation with a potential: the Regge-Wheeler equation, scattering of graviational waves off a black hole and quasi-normal modes
• More spatial dimensions: the 2+1 wave equation

Students can code in their preferred language, although Python is strongly recommended (open sources, simple and optimal for visualizations).

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of partial differential equations
• Basic programming skills

Contact:

Person of charge: Prof. Dr. S. Bernuzzi

Supervision: Oliver Steppohn and Joan Fontbuté

Place: Abbeanum, Fröbelstieg 1 or PAF Computerpool

Per term, one or two students may work on the topic.

Contents and learning objectives

Runaway stars are young, hot, massive or intermediate-mass stars showing a peculiarly high velocity with respect to the host cluster or OB association. They are moving away from their birth place, while the majority of others remain in their birth cluster. The high velocity nature of runaway stars is explained by two independent mechanisms:

•  Dynamical ejection scenario (DES) proposes that the stars are ejected by gravitational interaction within the dense cores of the young clusters.
•  Binary supernova scenario (BSS) brings an alternative explanation that the star is ejected by its orbital velocity due to the supernova of the binary companion.

Kinematic studies and observations of the young clusters has proven that the DES is working. On the other hand, high space velocities of isolated neutron stars imply that BSS is also viable. However, the star HD37424 is the only BSS runaway star which has been proven by observations. Finding BSS runaway stars provide us with great information on the supernova, supernova remnants (SNR) and neutron stars. The type of supernova, distance, age and all dependent parameters of the supernova remnant, the mass of the progenitor star and the kick given to the neutron star can be found. Therefore, exploring BSS runaways is now an important task in astrophysics. The BSS runaways can be found inside the supernova remnants (e.g. Spaghetti Nebula). The astrometry by the Gaia Satellite gives us precise distances and transverse motion vectors of the stars. A star having a significantly higher transverse velocity w.r.t the galactic neighborhood and moving away from an SNR is a potential candidate. These candidates can be detected through public astrometry and photometry data and be confirmed by spectroscopic observations. For bright stars (V<11 mag), the observations can be performed at the University Observatory in Grosschwabhausen. The project aims to teach students using astronomical catalogs, stellar kinematics, observations and data reduction and analysis.

Tasks

•  Selection of stars within a certain position and distance range.
•  Calculating the peculiar transverse velocity from proper motion of the stars
•  Age estimates and tracing back the stellar motion in time
•  Temperature and evolutionary stage estimation from photometry
•  Analysis of archival stellar spectra

Contact:

Supervisor: Dr. Baha Dincel

Location (night observation): University Observatory in Großschwabhausen

Location (data reduction and analysis): Astrophysical Institute, Schillergäßchen 2, Jena

 The tasks can be performed by one group with up to 2 students.

Contents and learning objectives

Neutron stars (NSs) are the compact remnants of massive stars that end their lives in core-collapse supernova explosions. Determining the birthplace and progenitor properties of neutron stars is essential for understanding massive-star evolution, supernova physics, and the dynamical evolution of stellar populations in the Galaxy. However, identifying the birth environment of neutron stars remains challenging because supernova explosions impart large kick velocities to the compact remnant, quickly displacing it from its natal region.

This project aims to reconstruct the origin of a neutron star by tracing its motion backward in time and identifying its parent stellar environment. The analysis will combine high-precision astrometric data with statistical orbit integration to search for past spatial coincidences between the neutron star, nearby runaway stars, and young stellar clusters.

The primary method will be a three-dimensional Monte-Carlo (MC) traceback simulation. Using measured observables—position, proper motion, parallax, and where available radial velocity—we will generate large ensembles of possible phase-space realizations that account for observational uncertainties. Each realization will be integrated backward in time through the Galactic potential to reconstruct the past trajectories of the neutron star and potential birth sites. Young open clusters and OB associations within a few kiloparsecs will be considered as candidate progenitor environments. These clusters provide ideal birthplaces because their ages constrain the evolutionary stage of the progenitor star. In addition to cluster encounters, the project will search for runaway stars that may have been former binary companions to the neutron-star progenitor. In the binary supernova scenario, the explosion disrupts the binary system, ejecting the secondary star as a runaway while the newly formed neutron star receives an additional natal kick.

The results of this project will provide new constraints on neutron-star birth velocities, progenitor masses, and the role of binary evolution in core-collapse supernovae. More broadly, this work contributes to our understanding of how massive stars shape the dynamical and chemical evolution of the Milky Way.

Tasks

a)      Compilation of neutron star astrometric data (Gaia, ATNF, literature)
b)      Identification of candidate young open clusters and OB associations
c)      Selection of potential runaway-star counterparts
d)      Observation of bright candidates in the University Observatory
e)      Determination of stellar parameters from spectroscopy
f)       Implementation of 3D Monte-Carlo traceback simulations
g)      Orbit integration in the Galactic potential
h)      Identification of past encounters between neutron stars, clusters, and runaway stars

Supervisor: Dr. Baha Dincel

Location (night observation): University Observatory in Großschwabhausen

Location (data reduction and analysis): Astrophysical Institute, Schillergäßchen 2, Jena

The tasks can be performed by one group with up to 2 students.

Supernova remnants (SNRs) are extended nebulae formed by the violent explosion of stars. Their optically visible emission comes mainly from shock-heated gas, producing bright filamentary structures in emission lines such as Halpha, [O III], and [S II] in their spectra . Optical studies of SNRs provide unique information on the shock physics, chemical abundances of the interstellar medium, and the dynamical evolution of the explosion debris. While X-ray and radio observations probe the high-energy plasma and relativistic particles, optical observations offer direct measurements of ionisation states, densities, and velocities. Narrow-band imaging allows us to map the morphology of the filaments, while spectroscopy provides line ratios to diagnose shock conditions, electron densities, and shock velocities.

This lab exercise focuses on the optical analysis of supernova remnants through both archival data and new observations. Students will learn how to process and analyse photometric and spectroscopic data of SNRs using IRAF and Python (Astropy, specutils, photutils). In addition to data reduction and interpretation, emphasis will be placed on conducting a lab project using public datasets and, when possible, telescope observations.

Tasks

•  Selection of a supernova remnant for study from available catalogs (e.g., Greens SNR catalog)
•  Reduction and calibration of spectroscopic data and measurement of emission line fluxes and construction of diagnostic line ratio maps ([S II]/Halpha, [O III]/Hbeta)
•  Extraction of physical parameters such as electron density, temperature, and shock velocity from spectra
•  Photometric analysis of filamentary structures to estimate surface brightness and compare with models
•  Doppler shift measurements of emission lines to obtain expansion velocities

Contact:

Supervisor: Günay Paylı

The tasks can be worked on by up 1 or 2 students

Goals and context:

Most of what we know about the internal structure of planets in the solar system ( and elsewhere) is based on observations of their external properties - and on models. Such models need to cover an extreme range of physical conditions and states, from low-pressure gas to high-pressure liquids and solids, including "exotic" material succh as liquid hydrogen. In this project, simple models of planet interiors and atmospheres are constructed and tested against more refined models and observational constraints. Possible examples for specific goals include:

•  test of the limits of simple models (When do they work? When and how do they fail?)
•  implementaion and test of more advanced analytic approximations of equations of state or tabulated material properties (When und where are they useful?)
•  construction of more complex models (What role do internal enegy souces and the temperature gradient play?)

Methods:

 Available analytic and numerical prescriptions for hydrostatic equilibrium, equations of state, and heat transfer are used to construct a new model or modify an existing one. Additional material properties and constraints are extracted from the literature. Possible languages for programming (and in most cases also visualization of the results) include C++, Wolfram Mathematica, Phyton, Mathlab.

Contact:

Instructor:      Dr. Torsten Löhne

Venue:          Astrophys. Inst. and Unisternwarte, Haus 2 (Schillergässchen 3)

The complex topic can be worked on by one or two students. The actual tasks will be adapted. 
Supervision is possible in English and German.

Context and goals:

In this project, mutual gravitational perturbations in systems containing stars, planets, and minor bodies are studied. Depending on the scenario and configuration, these perturbations can lead to different types of short and long-term phenomena: resonances and chaotic behavior as well as secular effects. Possible examples for specific scenarios include: capture in and release from orbital resonances; long-term stability of planetary systems; Lyapunov exponent and chaotic motion; influence of small perturbers on chaotic systems; secular perihelion drift in multi-planet systems; Kozai mechanism. For each specific problem, analytic approximations are available and can be used for comparison with the numerical results.

Methods:

A handful of numerical integrators is available, covering a set of different algorithms (Bulirsch­-Stoer, Runge-Kutta, Everhart, (hybrid) symplectic) and scenarios. The integrators can be compared with respect to their precision and speed. Simulation results can then be visualized and statistically examined with self-made programs/scripts.

Contact:

Instructor:    Torsten Löhne

Venue:          Astrophys. Inst. and Unisternwarte, Haus 2 (Schillergässchen 3)

The complex topic can be worked on by one or two students. The actual tasks will be adapted.

Contents and learning objectives

Since the discovery of the first binaries, visual, photometric and spectrometric observations have shown that most stars observable in the night sky are indeed stellar systems of two or even more stars. These binary or multiple star systems, which are bound together by their gravitational force, follow the laws of celestial mechanics, which were first empirically described by Kepler and then later astrophysically explained by Newton. Thanks to the classical mechanics, it is possible with observations to precisely determine the properties of the stars in these stellar systems, in particular their masses.

Since the mass of stars determines their evolution significantly, the observation and characterization of binary star systems is astrophysically very important. While wide binaries can still be observed directly with a telescope, more closer systems can be investigated spectroscopically by means of the Doppler effect. The movement of the components around their center of gravity reveals itself as a shift of the spectral lines in the common spectrum of the stellar system. The precise analysis of the radial velocities of the stars yields an exact characterization of the orbital parameters of the stellar system (e.g. period and orbital eccentricity) as well as its mass function or the mass ratio of its components.

In this project the students use the observing method described above for the detection and characterization of spectroscopic binary stars in order to determine the properties of these systems, as well as their actual orbital parameters. The students learn the important basics for the reduction and analysis of spectroscopic data of stars, which they themselves have taken with the modern instruments, operated at the University Observatory in Großschwabhausen.

Technology

The spectroscopic observations are carried out by the students at night at the University Observatory in Großschwabhausen (see Fig.2) with the Échelle spectrograph FLECHAS, which is operated at the 90cm reflector telescope of the observatory.

Supervisor: Dr. Markus Mugrauer

Location (night observation): University Observatory in Großschwabhausen

Location (data reduction and analysis): Astrophysical Institute, Schillergäßchen 2, Jena

Each spectroscopic binary system can be processed by one or two students. The specific task will be adjusted depending on the observed stellar system.

Comets are small bodies in the Solar System consisting mainly of ice and dust. As well as comets on periodic orbits (the first of which was discovered by E. Halley), there are also many non-periodic comets. Recently, even interstellar comets have been discovered flying through the solar system. As comets spend most of their time far from the Sun, in the dark and cold depths of the solar system, they remain unobservable. However, as they approach the Sun, they begin to evaporate in the sunlight, forming a coma (the 'head' of the comet) and, eventually, a tail, which makes them visible in the night sky. As comets consist of almost unchanged, frozen matter from the early stages of the solar system, studying them provides important insights into the nature of matter during the formation process of the solar system. By observing comets, it is possible to determine their orbital elements and thus their place of origin in the solar system. Additionally, the activity of comets can be studied as they pass through the inner solar system. 

Tasks: 

1. Observe new comets using the telescopes operated at the University Observatory in Großschwabhausen. 
2. Reduce and analyze all data, particularly with regard to astrometry (the position of the comets in sky), and photometry (the brightness of the comets).
3. Examine the morphological evolution of the comets over time, such as coma diameter and tail length.
4. Determine the orbital elements of the comets, as well as their absolute brightness dependant on the distance from the Sun.
5. Study the activity of the comets dependant on solar distance, and search for non-gravitational forces that alter their orbits.  

Technology

The imaging observations are carried out by the students at night at the University Observatory in Großschwabhausen with the CCD-cameras, which are operated at the individual telescopes of the observatory. 
 

Contact:

Supervisor: Dr. Markus Mugrauer 

Location (night observation): University Observatory in Großschwabhausen 

Location (data reduction and analysis): Astrophysical Institute, Schillergäßchen 2, Jena 

Each comet can be processed by one or two students. The specific tasks will be adjusted depending on the observed comet. 

Contents and learning objectives

Since the discovery of the first planet outside our solar system some 20 years ago, more than 1000 of these exoplanets have been detected around distant stars. Several dozens of planets could be imaged directly next to their host star, using modern observing techniques on large telescopes of the 8 to 10m class. The vast majority of exoplanets, however, were detected indirectly by accurate spectrophoto-metric measurement of the light of their host stars. The transit method is today the most successfully used method for the planet search.

In the transit method, the occultation of the host star by its exoplanet is observed. By means of precise photometric measurements, the light curve of the star is measured during the transit of the planet, which allows the determination of the orbital period, the inclination of the planetary orbital plane and the planetary radius.

From the combination of the obtained results with available spectroscopic measurements (msin (i), minimum mass of the planet), the mean density of the exoplanet can be determined, which allows conclusions about its internal structure.

In this project, the students should use the observing method described above for the detection of planets in order to determine the properties of exoplanets, as well as their actual orbital parameters. The students learn the important basics for the reduction and analysis of photometric data of stars, which they themselves have recorded with the modern instruments, operated at the University Observatory in Großschwabhausen. 

Technology

The photometric observations are carried out by the students at night at the University Observatory in Großschwabhausen (see Fig. 2) with the CCD-cameras, which are operated at the individual telescopes of the observatory.

Supervisor: Dr. Markus Mugrauer

Location (night observation): University Observatory in Großschwabhausen

Location (data reduction and analysis): Astrophysical Institute, Schillergäßchen 2, Jena

Each exoplanet can be processed by one or two students. The specific task will be adjusted depending on the observed exoplanet.

We study solar and lunar eclipse predictions and observations for different reasons:

(i) The Earth rotation period increases with time by ca. 1.7-1.8 milli-seconds per century,which is less than expected purely from tidal interaction with the moon; other causes areunder dispute. An empirical method to measure such changes over at least three millennia iscomparing historical occultation observations (e.g. time and location of solar and lunareclipses) with calculated predictions.

(ii) We will determine certain eclipse parameters for different kinds (e.g. total or partial) ofobserved, predicted, and non-detected eclipses like magnitude, duration, height abovehorizon, time of day or night etc. – for both solar and lunar eclipses. We can then study howeclipse theories, predictions, and observations have improved over the centuries for differentcultures: Babylonia, East Asia, India, Arabia/Persia, Mediterranean Antiquity (Latin/Greek),and medieval Europe.

Each group will select a certain culture and time window to compare all solar and/or lunareclipses according to modern predictions with the real observational records (available inEnglish translation). Depending on language skills, it is recommended to also consider theoriginal reports and to study how different cultures have recorded details like contact timesand eclipse magnitude.

With this project, students can understand the physical causes for the different kinds ofeclipses, can learn how one can predict eclipse details like time, magnitude, and location onEarth, can comprehend the historical development of eclipse theories for different cultures, and will contribute to quantify for the Earth rotation period offsets.

Supervisor

Prof. Dr. Ralph Neuhäuser & Daniela Luge MA

Astrophysical Institute FSU Jena, ralph.neuhaeuser@uni-jena.de

One or two students can work on this project in up to two groups.

Resources

Richard Stephenson, 2009, Historical Eclipses and Earth's Rotation, Cambridge Univ. Press
https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/solar.html
https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/lunar.html
https://www.eclipsewise.com