Latest photonics and optics 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…
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…
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…
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…
cosine expands German operations with new facility in Adlershof
Research laboratories opened at the Centre for Photovoltaics and Renewable Energies:
cosine GmbH has opened new offices and laboratory space in Berlin-Adlershof at the Centre for Photovoltaics and Renewable Energies (ZPV), where new X-ray optics labs and expanded testing capabilities will be installed…
PicoQuant Invests in FluoBrick Solutions to Simplify Access to Single Molecule Research
Partnering to make advanced fluorescence techniques intuitive, affordable, and accessible:
PicoQuant GmbH has invested in FluoBrick Solutions GmbH, a Berlin-based start-up dedicated to lowering the barriers to single-molecule techniques such as Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) and Förster…
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,…
From laboratory to everyday life: UVC LEDs for disinfection on the way to widespread use
International research team publishes overview of the state of the art of commercial UVC LEDs:
An international team of researchers has, for the first time, comprehensively assessed the state of the art of commercial UVC LEDs and summarized the findings in an open-access review. These compact, efficient, and…
FBH joins IFE-STARFIRE Hub to advance inertial fusion energy
Diode laser systems are intended to enable real-world fusion power deployment:
The Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH) is proud to announce its participation in the newly expanded Diode Technology Working Group of the IFE-STARFIRE Hub. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and led by Lawrence…