Head: PD Dr. Frank Weber
The neutron-scattering group investigates the structure and dynamics of solids by means of elastic or inelastic neutron scattering. In addition, hard x-ray scattering measurements (elastic and inelastic) are carried out as well. Other experimental techniques, e.g. photoemission spectroscopy, are performed at large-scale user facilities when it is deemed necessary. The scientific focus is on lattice dynamical properties of solids, the interaction of the lattice with magnetic and electronic degrees of freedom and its evolution with extrinsic parameters such as chemical composition, pressure or temperature. We profit from close cooperation with the Theory of Quantum Materials department for ab-initio lattice dynamical calculations and the New Quantum Materials department for sample growth and characterization. Currently, we are particularly interested in phonon-mediated and iron-based superconductors (s. Fig. 1), the physics of transition-metal monosilicides and charge-ordered materials. In May 2021, our group officially joined the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum for the research with neutrons as a cooperation partner for the thermal neutron triple axis spectrometer PUMA. Thus, IQMT - formerly Institute for Solid State Physics (IFP) – can continue its long-standing tradition in inelastic neutron scattering research and instrumentation after the end of the Orphee reactor at Saclay, France. Our neutron-scattering group will engage in instrument development, in-house research, and also for external user supports on PUMA. Dr. Alsu Gazizulina is delegated as an instrument scientist and represents our group at MLZ (s. Fig. 2).
