News
Phosphorous chains – a 1D material with 1D electronic properties
One-dimensional electronic properties of a material were experimentally demonstrated for the first time at BESSY II:
For the first time, a team at BESSY II has succeeded in demonstrating the one-dimensional electronic properties of a material through a highly refined experimental process. The samples consisted of short chains of…
What vibrating molecules might reveal about cell biology
At BESSY II, molecular vibrations in tiny biological samples can now be detected and analysed:
Infrared vibrational spectroscopy at BESSY II can be used to create high-resolution maps of molecules inside live cells and cell organelles in native aqueous environment, according to a new study by a team from HZB…
Winds blow across Mars at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour
New study with DLR participation helps to improve our understanding of the Martian atmospheric dynamics:
On Mars, ‘dust devils’ and winds reach speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour – stronger than previously thought. This is demonstrated by a new study from an international research team led by the University of…
Perovskite solar cells from Germany are competing with China’s PV technology
Kevin J. Prince and Siddhartha Garud receive HZB 2025 Technology Transfer Award:
Photovoltaics is the leading technology in the transition to clean energy. However, traditional silicon-based solar technology has reached its efficiency limit. Therefore, a HZB-team has developed a perovskite-based…
How supermarket parking lots help the energy supply in Berlin
Research project shows innovative solutions for electromobility:
Supermarket parking lots can help reduce the need for expansion of charging infrastructure in public spaces in Berlin by up to 17 percent. In the Retail4Multi-Use project, scientists from the Reiner Lemoine Institute…
HZB researcher awarded prestigious VAIBHAV Fellowship by Government of India
Dr. Prashanth Menezes honoured for his pioneering contributions to materials chemistry and catalysis:
The Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, has announced the recipients of the Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship, a flagship initiative aimed at fostering collaboration between the…
Watching bandgaps in motion – attosecond interferometry of solids
Research team establishes a broadly applicable, all-optical probe of band-structure dynamics in solids:
The bandgap, i.e. the energy gap between the highest lying valence and the lowest lying conduction band, is a defining property of insulating solids, governing how they absorb light and conduct electricity. Tracking…
Sasol and HZB deepen collaboration with strategic focus on digitalisation
“A significant step towards achieving more sustainable and efficient chemical processes on an industrial scale”:
Sasol Research & Technology and Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) are expanding their partnership into the realm of digitalisation, building on their joint efforts in the CARE-O-SENE project and an Industrial Fellowship…
HU research team develops new quantum sensor
Defects in the crystal lattice of materials can be measured in real time and with unprecedented precision:
From computer chips to quantum dots—technological platforms such as these were only made possible thanks to a detailed understanding of the used solid-state materials, such as silicon or more complex semiconductor…
PFAS filter from a ball mill
BAM team develops environmentally friendly material that could help remove these ‘forever chemicals’:
PFAS are fluorinated compounds found in many everyday products, such as outdoor clothing and cookware like Teflon pans. This is because PFAS are durable, heat-resistant and dirt-repellent. Their stability is precisely…
Rydberg Photonics develops key components for quantum applications
FBH spin-off targets a new generation of compact, scalable, and robust photonic solutions:
A new era of compact, scalable, and robust photonic solutions is being ushered in by Rydberg Photonics GmbH, a Berlin-based spin-off from the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH). The company builds on FBH’s unique hybrid…
Novel technique shines light on next-gen nanomaterials
Team from HZB and Hebrew University uses spectroscopic microellipsometry to investigate how MXenes truly work:
Researchers have for the first time measured the true properties of individual MXene flakes — an exciting new nanomaterial with potential for better batteries, flexible electronics, and clean energy devices. By using…
“Jugend forscht” award winner completes research internship at IKZ
Internship was granted as a special prize at one of the regional competitions:
This summer, the IKZ was pleased to welcome Antonia Linke, a “Jugend forscht” award winner, for a two-week research internship. The internship was granted as a special prize at one of the state-level “Jugend forscht”…
FBH showcases latest R&D results at Photonics Days
Conference focusing on laser technology, microsystems technology and quantum technologies on 8 and 9 October in Adlershof:
For two days, experts from research and industry will meet in Berlin-Adlershof to exchange views on the latest trends in laser technology, heterogeneous integration, microsystems technology, and more. Once again,…
Markus Krutzik and Tim Schröder among the 100 most important minds in science 2025
Quantum researchers from the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut honoured by Tagesspiegel newspaper:
Markus Krutzik and Tim Schröder have been named among the 100 most important figures in the Berlin science community for 2025. Through their work in quantum sensing and quantum photonics, they make crucial…
Pushing boundaries in ultrafast magnetization switching
Switching process does not proceed homogeneously but along a moving domain:
A single ultrashort laser pulse can change the magnetization of a suitable material. But even within a magnetic film of just a few nanometer thickness, this process is not homogeneous, but proceeds with a speed of…
Diodes for Fusion Power Plants
The Ferdinand-Braun-Institut is accelerating the development of a key component:
As part of the “Fusion 2040 – Research on the Way to a Fusion Power Plant” programme, the German government is investing around 1.2 billion euros over the next five years into the development of this climate-neutral,…
A dynamic seating area for brainstorming
Peter Sandhaus builds a bridge between science, art, and communication in front of BESSY II:
Science doesn’t only happen behind closed lab doors; flashes of inspiration can strike anywhere. With his “Neuron Accelerator”, Peter Sandhaus has created a new space for fast-moving thoughts to unfold. While…
Fully charged
The newly founded Berlin Battery Lab (BBL) combines the expertise of three research institutions:
The newly founded Berlin Battery Lab (BBL) combines the expertise of the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) and the Humboldt University of Berlin (HU)…
The Solar Consultant
Niklas Albinius shares his knowledge about building with photovoltaics:
Who knows what his career path would have looked like if he hadn’t asked the question? Niklas Albinius’ curiosity was piqued after a lecture on ‘Solar Construction’ at the University of Applied Sciences in Berlin,…