Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research

Scientific Profile and Research Program

The Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research conducts materials research for future applications, e. g., in information technology and for energy conversion. To this end we make use of the various possibilities offered by our Ion Beam Center (IBC) for synthesis, modification, and analysis of thin films and nanostructures. The analyzed materials range from semiconductors and oxides to metals and magnetic materials. They are investigated with the goal to optimize their electronic, magnetic, optical as well as structural functionality. This research is embedded in the Helmholtz Association’s program “From Matter to Materials and Life”.

Facilities and Cooperations

The Ion Beam Center (IBC) with 40 experimental stations has a long-time experience in the fields of ion implantation, ion-beam modification, ion-beam analysis and ion- or plasma-assisted film deposition. This expert knowledge is offered to a large international usership, e. g., within the EU-I3-Project SPIRIT.

Furthermore we are in charge of the experimental stations at the Free-Electron Lasers FELBE, and, in cooperation with the Institute of Radiation Physics, of the future THz and positron beamlines at the Electron Accelerator ELBE. Another unique research facility is provided by the materials research hutch at the Rossendorf Beamline (ROBL) of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble.

Young Researchers

The Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research particularly supports young scientists. The Helmholtz Young Investigators' Group led by Dr. Shengqiang Zhou, the first one based at HZDR, devotes its research to “Ion beam processed functional materials for spintronics and photovoltaics”.

Two further HZDR Junior Research Groups are currently working at the Institute: Dr. Kilian Lenz investigates “Magnetization dynamics” and Dr. Alina Maria Deac’s research is devoted to “Spin electronics”.

Helmholtz Networks

The Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research is currently coordinating three Helmholtz funded network projects.

The Virtual Institute MEMRIOX led by Dr. Sibylle Gemming deals with nanoscale structures which are based on oxidic compounds. Their electric resistance can be adjusted through current flow, an effect which permits them to act as electronic switches and non-volatile memories.

The Helmholtz-Russia Joint Research Group led by Dr. Kay Potzger has the goal to fundamentally examine the origin of the specific form of magnetism found in magnetic titanium oxide, and to analyze the magnetic, electrical and structural properties of this material extensively (DETI.2).

The International Helmholtz Research School for Nanoelectronic Networks (IHRS NanoNet) led by Dr. Artur Erbe is a structured doctoral programme promoting the education of the next generation of scientists in molecular electronics.