Research Interests

1. Problems of fuel cells and batteries:
        At present I am working on problems of fuel cells and batteries,
        in particular on problems of tomographic diagnostics. Since in
        these devices the electric current density is high, magnetotomography
        seems to be the appropriate method for diagnostics.
        (Cooperation between PGI-1, FH-Aachen, JSC and IEK-3, PGI-8)

      Quantum mechanical problems of fuel cells:
        I am interested in the quantum mechanical aspects of finding good
        electrolytes and catalysts. Without a better fundamental understanding
        of the electrolytes and catalysts fuel cells will remain in the
        present status, i.e. will remain a niche product.

2. Problems of energy storage using supercaps:
       Supercaps have huge dielectric constants and the question arises,
       whether or not such devices are appropriate for storing energy.
       I am interested in particular in electrolytes of metallic composites.
       (Cooperation between PGI-1, FH-Aachen and PGI-7)

3. Work on problems of electronic correlation:
       Correlations in electron systems arise from the Coulomb interaction
       and from the Pauli principle and are essential to the development
       of approximations in density-functional theory (DFT).
       Dynamical correlations, in particular, are important for time dependent
       DFT. Together with K. Sturm (PGI-1) these are studied using an enhanced
       class of diagrams beyond RPA.

        Poster:    Dynamical correlations of simple metals (PDF, 913 kB)  

4. Problems of an interdisciplinary nature:
       I am interested in problems, where mathematical tools and
       ideas, well known in solid state physics can be applied. This happens
       in particular in problems of the geosphere.

Lectures:
           The aim in my lectures at the University of Duisburg-Essen
           is, to show students that fundamental research can be very close
           to applications. Examples are problems occuring in fuel cells.
           In particular quantum mechanical investigations of electrolytes
           can have a great technological impact. At present my lectures
           concentrate on DFT methods and the physics of transport.