\n\t\t\tUnderstanding and predicting new phenomena in crystals with quantum geometry. This is the goal Dr Johannes Mitscherling is working towards. He is establishing a new Emmy Noether Group at the University of W\u00fcrzburg.\n\t\t<\/p>\n
Dr Johannes Mitscherling has been establishing a new Emmy Noether Group at the University of W\u00fcrzburg since August 1st, 2026, which is based at the Chair of Theoretical Physics IV. Together with his team, the theoretical solid-state physicist will investigate novel quantum materials and the associated phenomena using geometric methods. Most recently, he conducted research in the groups led by Dr Libor \u0160mejkal at the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems in Dresden and Professor Joel Moore at the University of California, Berkeley, USA.<\/p>\n
The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding the work of Dr Mitscherling and his group with 1.9 million euros over the next six years. Through the Emmy Noether Programme, the DFG enables outstanding researchers to qualify for a university professorship early in their careers by leading their own research group.<\/p>\n
Focus of the new group: Geometric quantum matter<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is impressive to see the experimental progress that has been made in quantum simulators and materials research in recent years. Researchers are now able to specifically generate and control the wave functions of electrons. To better understand and predict the quantum physics of these systems, we need intuitive yet quantitative theoretical methods that go beyond the global properties of the wave functions \u2013 their topology,\u201d says Dr Mitscherling, describing the motivation behind his work.<\/p>\n
His group is moving closer to this goal by combining established concepts from solid-state physics with ideas from geometry and quantum information. The aim is to find materials whose wave functions exhibit particularly unconventional geometric properties.<\/p>\n
Geometric classification of wave functions aims to predict new phenomena in crystals<\/p>\n
\u201cThe atoms and symmetries of a material constraint which quantum states the electrons can assume. We interpret and analyse the totality of all possible states geometrically. We ask ourselves: do the states form rings or spheres? How far apart are they? How are they distributed across the state space? These properties give us clues, for example, as to whether a material is particularly good at converting light into electricity,\u201d says Dr Mitscherling, explaining his group\u2019s geometric approach.<\/p>\n
The new group has an ambitious goal: it aims to develop a complete geometric classification of wave functions for crystalline systems.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith this classification, we will be able to predict much more accurately which materials are the most promising \u2013 for photovoltaics, for example \u2013 and how their properties can be specifically induced and controlled by external influences, such as pressure or light. In this way, we are approaching the very exciting many-body and non-equilibrium physics, as observed in experiments, in a systematic and controlled manner.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Mitscherling is focusing in particular on two fields of research: unconventional magnetism, for example in altermagnets, and materials with exotic quasiparticles in two-dimensional heterostructures.<\/p>\n
Close collaboration planned with the W\u00fcrzburg physics departments and the ctd.qmat Cluster of Excellence<\/p>\n
The new Emmy Noether Group will be closely integrated into the research landscape in W\u00fcrzburg. The University of W\u00fcrzburg has made a name for itself internationally, particularly in the field of topological quantum materials.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst topology provides important insights into the overall shape of wave functions, quantum geometry enables us to characterise wave functions in much greater detail. We are delighted to be able to contribute this new approach through close collaboration at the University of W\u00fcrzburg and within the framework of the W\u00fcrzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ctd.qmat, and to benefit from the strong local expertise,\u201d emphasises Dr Mitscherling.<\/p>\n
The new group leader\u2019s career<\/p>\n
Johannes Mitscherling, born in 1991, grew up in M\u00f6nchengladbach. From 2011, he studied physics at RWTH Aachen University. During an Erasmus placement in Paris and as part of his Master\u2019s thesis at the J\u00fclich Research Centre, he specialised in theoretical solid-state physics. For his doctoral thesis, the scientist moved to the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart in 2016, where he completed his PhD in 2021 with the distinction \u2018summa cum laude\u2019.<\/p>\n
For his initial ideas on quantum geometry, Johannes Mitscherling was awarded the DFG\u2019s Walter Benjamin Fellowship and the postdoctoral fellowship from the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. This funding enabled him to conduct research as a Leopoldina postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, USA, from 2022 to 2024. He subsequently returned to Germany to the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems in Dresden. There, he successfully secured funding for his Emmy Noether Group.<\/p>\n
Contact<\/p>\n