We utilize advanced x-ray techniques to study the nucleation and growth of complex materials, as well as their response to external stimuli. We operate a state-of-the-art x-ray lab and conduct experiments at synchrotron facilities, including DESY. Our research focuses on soft matter systems, such as lipids and DNA origami, and semiconductor materials, including organic electronics and perovskites.
We study the structure and function of new materials. For this purpose, we run a state-of-the-art x-ray lab at LMU in Munich, and we travel for experiments to synchrotron radiation facilities such as DESY in Hamburg and ESRF in Grenoble. For specific questions we also use neutron diffraction. In the field of semiconductor materials, our focus is on the nucleation and growth of colloidal quantum dots, which we study by small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), Bragg diffraction, and total scattering. Furthermore, we develop new fabrication schemes for organic field effect transistors and characterize their thin film and interface structure by x-ray surface diffraction. In the field of biophysics, we study the folding and unfolding of rather large DNA origami structures, and their silicification and actuation by solvents. Another soft matter system that we study intensively are lipid assemblies. Here, our present focus is on empolying photoswitchable lipids to induce phase transitions in lipid assemblies. Here is a link to all our publications: Orcid-ID
In our group, you will learn how to use x-ray diffraction techniques and advanced optical characterization methods. Some projects also involve cleanroom fabrication techniques and electrical transport measurements. Many of our projects involve recording experimental data using instruments that we build ourselves from highly specialized modules, often as part of a Master’s or PhD thesis. You will also gain experience in data processing and analysis using scientific software. Many projects involve adapting Python scripts or working on small electronics projects. Here you find a collection of past PhD, Master and Bachelor theses of the Nickel group. Currently, we offer Bachelor’s and Master’s theses on the following topics:
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Frank, Kilian | PhD Student |
| Kammerbauer, Theresa | PhD Student |
| Kostyurina, Ekaterina | Postdoc |
| Nickel, Bert | Chair of Experimental Physics - Soft Condensed Matter |
| Reisner, Veronika | PhD Student |
| Rescher, Lukas | Master Student |
| Cao, Tianyi | Master Student |