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Dr. Alejandro Fainstein is a senior researcher and Professor at Centro Atómico Bariloche and Instituto Balseiro in Bariloche, Argentina. In this online seminar, Dr. Fainstein will discuss the concept of time crystals (TCs), which involve the spontaneous breaking of time translation symmetry in quantum systems, similar to the spatial symmetry breaking observed in crystalline matter.

Dr. Vladimir Kaganer is a senior scientist working on the theory of X-ray diffraction at PDI. In this online seminar, Dr. Kaganer will introduce the X-ray diffraction technique, which is used to analyze physical properties such as phase composition, crystal structure and orientation of powder, solid, and liquid samples. The talk is suitable for students and will cover the basics of the technique.

This year the Deutsche Hochschulverband (DHV) (German University Association) is presenting their President of the Year award to Prof. Manfred Bayer, President of TU Dortmund since 2020. Prof. Bayer also served as chairman of PDI’s Scientific Advisory Board until his term ended last year.

A recent paper published in Advanced Science and featuring contributions from PDI researchers demonstrated that molecular beam epitaxy allows fabricating lamellar GeTe-rich (GeTe)m(Sb2Te3)n alloys which show ferroelectric properties. The material was developed at PDI within the European project BeforeHand (GA 824957, Horizon2020) – a collaboration between PDI and six other European partners.

Today, the Paul-Drude-Institut für Festkörperelektronik (PDI) in Berlin launched its inaugural Artist-in-Residency Program, aimed at inspiring unique perspectives on science and presenting new opportunities for engaging with the community. The residency is open to Berlin-based artists from all disciplines. The deadline for applications is May 17th, 2024.

Berlin is host to the 87th Annual Meeting of DPG and DPG Spring Meetings (DPG-Frühjahrstagung) of the Condensed Matter Section, taking place from 17th to 22nd March 2024 at Technische Universität Berlin. Scientists from PDI are contributing to 36 events this year. Here you can find the full schedule of PDI's contributions.

John W. Freeland, a senior physicist and staff scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, is a specialist in soft X-ray spectroscopy and supports scientists using the Advanced Photon Source (APS). As the APS is currently undergoing an intensive upgrade, John seized the opportunity to take a sabbatical and join us at PDI. Here he shares his thoughts about the experience.

At PDI, we recognize the profound importance of scientific outreach in fostering a connection between the research community and the world outside. In this article, we discuss why engaging with the community is so important for scientific institutions like ours.

On November 24th, PDI guest scientist John W. Freeland will speak at the virtual seminar at BESSY II, the 240 meter BESSY II storage ring in Berlin-Adlershof. John is based at Argonne National Laboratory where he focuses his research on the application of polarized X-ray techniques to probe the magnetism of surfaces and interfaces.

From November 2023 to January 2024, scientists from across Europe will visit PDI to speak about their work in 2D Magnetic Materials and Heterostructures. The first event takes place on November 24th with Arnaud Gloppe from the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) and University of Strasbourg.