Research Phase and Master's Thesis in the Physics programs

During the last year of the Master's program you will have the unique opportunity to work on exciting research topics within the specific field of the program. During this so-called research phase, you can choose from an extensive number of research groups and current projects.

Aliaksandr Bandarenka and a Master's student in his group discuss about their research. Foto: TUM.PH/Eckert. The research phase constitutes one thematic block, culminating in the dissertation of the Master's thesis.

Research Phase

The build-up of the research phase

To the scope of the one year research phase (59 ECTS) belong firstly, the development of the necessary special knowledge within a cutting-edge research line and secondly, the acquisition of the corresponding experimental or theoretical skills, that are necessary for the realization of the research project within the frame of the Master's thesis. Each of these steps conforms a module, the Master's seminar and the Master's training. Both modules belong intrinsically together and account in total for 24 ECTS. Subsequently, the independent research project can be carried out as part of the Master's thesis, which corresponding module comprises 30 ECTS. The research phase is completed with the Master's colloquium, the defense of the Master's thesis, for which 5 ECTS are given.

During the research phase, the fulfilment of an independent scientific work is tighly connected with the acquisition of additional skills, such as project management, team work as well as the depiction and presentation of scientific results.

Module	Description	Credits (CP)	PL/SL*
Master's seminar	Literature research and specialization	10	S
Master's training	Methodology and project planning	14	S
Master's thesis		30	P
Master's colloquium	Master's thesis defense	5	P
Sum		59

*: P="Prüfungsleistung", graded exam,
S="Studienleistung", non graded exam (pass/fail)

Finding a topic

Students have to take contact by their own with the working groups and potential supervisors, in oder to agree on a topic for the research phase/master thesis. Additionally to this, supervisors have the option to announce topics in the section below (supervisors see "Access for supervisors" on the right). However this possibility is not used by all institutes and not all topics are listed. Therefore it is recommended to ask the professors or in the institutes for topics.

Furthermore, it is recommended to start early (at least one semester in advance) to search for an appropriate topic. Having face-to-face interaction with the group, you can see if you like the topic and if you feel comfortable in the group (you will be working one year there!). We discourage you from simple e-mail exchange, as it is usually not successful.

Filtering in the offers for possible theses

You can search through the offers of Master’s thesis topics at the Physics Department.

Search for:

Offers of Master’s thesis topics

Study area	Topic	Supervisor
KTA	Absorption of antinuclei in ALICE Time Projection Chamber using machine learning algorithms	Fabbietti
Research group Dense and Strange Hadronic Matter Description Dark Matter (DM) is believed to account for roughly 27% of the mass-energy of our Universe, and its nature remains one of the most intriguing unsolved questions of modern physics. Multiple balloon- and space-borne experiments are searching for the traces of DM using the idea of possible annihilation or decay of DM particles into ordinary (anti)particles, including light (anti)nuclei. The latter (such as antideuterons and antihelium nuclei) are considered as especially promising probe for such indirect DM searches, as the background stemming from ordinary collisions between cosmic rays and the interstellar medium is expected to be very low with respect to the DM signal. In order to reliably estimate the fluxes of antinuclei near Earth stemming from DM and from background, it is necessary to know the probability for antinuclei to interact inelastically with ordinary matter on their way to the detectors (e.g. with interstellar medium and Earth's atmosphere). This probability is driven by the inelastic cross section of corresponding processes, which for antinuclei are still poorly (or not) known. This fact hinders precise calculations of antinuclei fluxes near Earth and forces existing estimates to rely on extrapolations and modelling. The here advertised master project will deal with the analysis of inelastic interactions of antinuclei inside the gas volume of the Time Projection Chamber of the ALICE detector. Such interactions typically create a bunch of secondary (charged) particles with low momentum with a characteristic topology of secondary vertex inside the TPC volume. The pattern can be recognised by machine learning algorithms trained on simulated events, in which such annihilation processes happen in a controlled environment. After the validation of algorithms with simulated events, one can analyse real experimental data and tag the annihilation events of interest, which in turn can be used to evaluate the effective antinuclei + A inelastic cross section. This project will be structured in the following way: - simulation of the inelastic interactions of antinuclei with the TPC gas using Geant4 toolkit - training and validation of neural networks to reliably recognise antinuclei annihilation events - Analysis of the ALICE experimental data from pp collisions at sqrt(s) = 13 TeV - Evaluation of the effective antinuclei + A inelastic cross sections Contact person Ivan Vorobyev
KM	Benchmarking and characterization of quantum devices (topic is not available any more)	Filipp
Research group Technical Physics Description Benchmarking and characterization of quantum devices Identifying error sources and efficiently characterizing the properties of quantum operations acting on individual qubits, multiple qubits, or entire quantum processors is crucial to overcome coherence limitations of quantum computers. Different benchmarking techniques can be useful to isolate and identify sources of errors. In particular, different implementations of Randomized Benchmarking can provide insights into processes that limit qubit coherence times. In this project you will gain thorough understanding of the noise sensitivities of various benchmarking techniques and implement them in the experimental control stack. You will be able to use state-of-the-art control hardware with the ability to program quantum circuits using gate-based algorithms with on-device logic in order to achieve efficient control of quantum processors. Ideally, these techniques will be used to identify dominant noise sources and eliminate those using appropriate amendments to the microwave control setup. Contact person Max Werninghaus Malay Singh
KTA	Building and characterising a hybrid gaseous particle detector	Fabbietti
Research group Dense and Strange Hadronic Matter Description Micropattern gas detectors (MPGD) are a type of particle detector used in many large high energy physics experiments (Atlas, CMS, ALICE). MPGDs work by amplifying the signals generated by charged particles traversing a gas volume. This is made possible by using amplification structures with micrometre scale patterns. There are different designs of such detectors, which include Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) and Micro-Mesh Gaseous Structure (Micromegas). These are both highly scalable and offer good performance on their own but by combining both designs in a hybrid detector the performance can be pushed even further. The Hydra (Hypernuclei Decay R3B Apparatus) TPC project in GSI plans to make use of the high radiation hardness and tracking capabilities of a hybrid Micromegas+GEM detector to study the mesonic decay of hypernuclei into nuclei and pions. In the scope of this thesis project, the building and characterization of a prototype Micromegas+GEM detector will be conducted. For this task, a new dedicated detector chamber will be built, and performance tests will be conducted looking at the achievable signal amplification, energy & spatial resolution, and ion back flow suppression. In addition to these, novel exciting studies investigating electric field distortions under an applied magnetic field using a strong electromagnet will also performed. The results obtained from this research and development effort will be used for the final design of the Hydra TPC detector! Contact person Berkin Ulukutlu
AEP	Characterizing CsI coated THGEMs for photon detection	Fabbietti
Research group Dense and Strange Hadronic Matter Description Traditional devices for photon detection like the Photomultiplier Tube or more recent technologies such as Silicon Photomultipliers are very cost-intensive. Therefore, especially with large area experiments in mind it is very interesting to investigate new ways of detecting photons. In this project we are taking the approach of combining a photosensitive material with a Thick GEM (THGEM) in a gaseous detector. THGEMs are robust, low-cost devices, which can be used for electron multiplication. The THGEM is coated with a photosensitive material and placed within an electrical field. When a photon releases an electron from the material the photo electron drifts in the THGEM hole and undergoes avalanche amplification due to a high electric field that is preset inside the holes. Below the THGEM an anode is used for electron readout. Depending on the gain of the THGEM this could enable single photon detection. In the scope of the thesis CsI coated THGEMs, which are useful in the UV light range, will be characterized and their quantum efficiency will be studied. Contact person Thomas Klemenz
KM	Chemical reactions and spins	Brandt
Research group Experimental Semiconductor Physics Description Elementary steps in chemical reaction pathways are difficult to disentangle. Often, such elementary steps involve radicals, molecules with unsaturated paramagnetic bonds. This allows to develop unique techniques monitoring their chemical reaction via spin selection rules based on the Pauli principle. You will develop highly sensitive magnetic resonance techniques measuring the charge transport in electrolytic cells to identify such spin-dependent reactions and, on the way, you will learn a lot about photocatalysis, electrochemistry and electron spin resonance. This Master’s thesis might be particularly interesting for students fascinated by renewable energies and motivated to work at the intersection of physics and chemistry.
KTA	Confinement of charged nanoparticles: Quadrupole Ion Trap - particle detection	Eisenhauer
Research group Max-Planck-Institue for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) Description Charged particles trapping and isolation, originally started in fundamental physics some 60 years ago, has nowadays numerous applications with interdisciplinary impact from astrophysics to biology. In laboratory astrophysics, ion traps are one of the few instruments allowing studies at conditions approaching those in the interstellar medium, where low temperatures (tens of K) and number densities (<10^10 cm^-3) prevail. In this project the main goal is to develop an detection system for a charged and trapped nanoparticles of sizes ~500 nm in an cryogenic quadrupole ion trap. This is an experimental physics project, the participant will work to integrate the hardware (laser, detector, DAq) together with customised software in order to accomplish the task. This project will offer a deep insight into photon detection using APD (avalanche-photodiode), signal filtering and processing using Fourier transforms and data acquisition using customized hardware. Contact: Dr. Pavol Jusko Prof. Paola Caselli
KM	Controlled Fabrication of Chiral Lead-Free Perovskites	Deschler
Research group Experimental Semiconductor Physics Description The Deschler group at the Walter Schottky Institute of TU Munich invites applications for Bachelor/Master Projects on Controlled Fabrication of Chiral Lead-Free Perovskites The group The Deschler group is an independent research group at Walter Schottky Institute of TU Munich, established through the DFG Emmy-Noether Program and an ERC starting Grant. Our research focuses on the ultrafast dynamics of functional materials and their applications energy applications. More information can be found on our website at https://www.wsi.tum.de/views/sub_group.php?group=Deschler&sub_page=home Your projects Hybrid organic inorganic perovskites are optoelectronic materials with tunable chemical and electronic structures. Incorporating chiral organic molecules into perovskite networks also attracts great attention due to their potential optical communication applications. Nevertheless, most reported chiral perovskite materials possess highly toxic Pb, which potentially limits their practical applications. In this project, your work would focus on introducing chiral organic molecules into hybrid lead-free perovskite, and grow corresponding high-performance single crystals and thin films. You will spearhead the design and fundamental understanding of novel functionality in materials. Specifically, you can work on one of following topics: · Designing chiral lead-free perovskites with different chiral organic molecules · Incorporating MA, FA, or Cs into chiral lead-free perovskites to get different layers samples · Transition metal doping on chiral lead-free perovskites to acquire magnetic properties During your Bachelor or Master project in our group, you will have the chance to gain hands-on experience in the solution-/vapor-based synthesis of novel functional materials, a range of state-of-the-art spectroscopic, optoelectronic and diffraction tools, as well as detailed understanding of the physics of functional semiconductors. Dedicated support from a PhD student or postdoc will be available during your project. You will be expected to make scientific discoveries and contribute to the dynamic atmosphere of our group. Your Application Applications should be sent to felix.deschler@tum.de. Please include your CV, and other related documents. Looking forward to your applications! Contact person Shangpu Liu
KM	Controlling magnon transport in antiferromagnetic insulators	Gross
Research group Technical Physics Description In antiferromagnetic insulators, we obtain two magnon modes with opposite spin chirality due to the two opposing magnetic sublattices. In this way, magnon transport in antiferromagnetic insulators can be considered as the magnonic equivalent of spin transport via electrons. The aim of this thesis is to obtain a better understanding of the magnon transport in antiferromagnetic insulators and investigate external control parameters that allow a manipulation of the spin information transport in the antiferromagnetic insulator. Moreover, these experiments allow to extract important transport properties like for example the magnon spin life-time. We are looking for resourceful master student heavily interested in these magnon transport experiments. In order to answer questions regarding magnon transport in magnetic insulators, your thesis will contain aspects of the fabrication of nano-scale devices using electron beam lithography as well as ultra-sensitive low-noise electronic measurements in a cryogenic environment. Contact person Hans-Gregor Hübl Matthias Althammer
KM	Design and Operation of a Multi-Input Quantum Perceptron (topic is not available any more)	Filipp
Research group Technical Physics Description Quantum machine learning is a new area of research at the interface of classical machine learning and quantum computing. Advantages arising from the quantum implementation of a neural network are still unclear but an implementation and training of a small scale quantum network could shed some light on its usefulness. You will start by understanding the principle of adiabatic ramp neurons as implemented with superconducting qubits. You will then investigate possible implementation of a network using 2-3 multi-input neurons and design a training experiment to perform on such a device. This will involve the design and characterization of a multi-qubit chip device including numerical simulations that is optimized for multi-input version of the neuron. Ideally, you will measure the non-linear activation function of a quantum perceptron depending on the weights set by the ZZ coupling to the input neurons and train the network to classify quantum or classical input data. Contact person Ivan Tsitsilin
KTA	Die Valenzstruktur des Protons	Caldwell
Research group Max-Planck-Institute for Physics / Werner-Heisenberg-Institute (MPP) Description The Bayesian Analysis Toolkit will be used in conjunction with QCDNUM, a package to solve the integro-differential equations describing the evolution of the proton structure with different resolution scales to analyze the recently published 'high-x data' on the proton structure from the ZEUS Collaboration. The goal is to extract the distributions of quarks and gluons in the proton and their uncertainties at the highes values of x, the momentum fraction carried by these partons. The project will be carried out with support from experts in Data Science and experts on proton structure studies. Contact person Allen C. Caldwell
KM	Exploring renewable energy systems with laser induced current transient thechnique	Bandarenka
Research group Physics of Energy Conversion and Storage Description The advent of ultrafast lasers has paved the way and eased the investigations of mechanisms and phenomena, which hitherto were difficult to interrogate or measure. One of such mechanisms is the kinetics of the electrified electrode-electrolyte interface. The laser induced current transient (LICT) technique has proven to be a robust, unique, and indispensable tool for predicting to a high degree of accuracy the activity of reactions by identifying the so-called potential of maximum entropy (PME). The PME is the potential at the interface at which the degree of disorder peaks. At the PME, the reaction should proceed faster than at potentials remote from it. Thus, one can anticipate that the closer the PME is to the thermodynamic equilibrium potential of an electrocatalytic reaction, the faster the kinetics of this reaction should be. By employing the LICT technique, the PME measured at the electrode-electrolyte interface (i.e., Au polycrystalline electrode and Ar-saturated Na2SO4 electrolyte at a pH of 8) has been reported to be 0.58 V vs RHE. However, using Ar-saturated K2SO4 at the same pH yielded a PME value of 1.30 V vs RHE. Therefore, it is our considered view that this presents a stupendous opportunity to tailor the cation mixture of Na+ and K+ as electrolyte to obtain a PME value of 1.23 V vs RHE, the thermodynamic equilibrium potential of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Hence, this presents the leeway for optimizing the activity towards the ORR via the tuning of the electrolyte cation concentration. Contact person Theophilus Kobina Sarpey
KTA	Exploring the properties of Quark-Gluon Plasma with anisotropic flow measurements at the Large Hadron Collider	Fabbietti
Research group Dense and Strange Hadronic Matter Description The matter produced in ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions resembles the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP), which is an extreme state of nuclear matter consisting of deconfined quarks and gluons. Such a state existed in the early Universe, just a few microseconds after the Big Bang. Its properties can be experimentally accessed by measuring the azimuthal anisotropies in the momentum distribution of produced particles in heavy-ion collisions, for instance, in lead-lead collisions reconstructed with the ALICE experiment at CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Of particular interest in this context is the anisotropic flow phenomenon, which is an observable directly sensitive to the properties of QGP. In this project, we introduce the basics of anisotropic flow and corresponding analyses techniques, and we guide a student throughout all steps needed for its final measurement, in the large-scale LHC datasets distributed on Grid. We start a project by briefly introducing a theoretical framework within which an anisotropic flow phenomenon can be defined and quantified. Next, we introduce sophisticated multi-particle correlation techniques, which were developed recently by experimentalists particularly for anisotropic flow measurements. We go in detail through the practical implementation of multi- particle correlations, students are expected at this point to perform some simple analytic calculations, and to learn and perform programming tasks both in ROOT and AliROOT. ROOT is the object-oriented analysis frame- work written in C++ programming language, and it is used at the moment as a default software in high-energy physics by all major collaborations world- wide, while AliROOT is the more speci c analysis framework developed by ALICE experiment, and which is based on ROOT. We wind up the project by letting the student do an independent ani- sotropic flow analysis with his/her own newly developed code in AliROOT, utilizing multi-particle correlation techniques, over real heavy-ion collisions collected by ALICE at LHC, and stored on Grid. Contact person Ante Bilandzic
KM	Fabrication of high-coherence superconducting qubits (topic is not available any more)	Filipp
Research group Technical Physics Description Over the last two decades the coherence time of superconducting qubits, a leading platform in quantum computing, could be improved by five orders of magnitude from several nanoseconds up to hundreds of microseconds. However, for practical quantum computers further improvements of the qubits are required. In this project we will investigate different strategies to reproducibly fabricate Josephson junctions and junction arrays for different types of qubits. To go beyond the NISQ era, new fabrication techniques like surface passivation, post process treatments, optimal etching parameters and deposition conditions will be investigated to build highly coherent qubits with T1 times exceeding 100 µs. One line of research will focus on exploring the capability of operating superconducting qubits at higher microwave frequencies and the potential to overcome limits of current qubit technologies. New superconducting materials, such as rhenium, vanadium, indium, nitrides and other composite systems, will be employed that have a higher critical temperature than commonly used materials such as aluminum and niobium. Within this thesis, you will grow and optimize thin films of superconducting materials, design and fabricate high-frequency resonators and qubits, and characterize them at millikelvin temperatures with spectroscopic techniques. You will learn the process of superconducting circuit fabrication like photolithography, thin film deposition and reactive ion etching in our in-house cleanroom and you will learn how to control qubits with microwave pulses using an arbitrary waveform generator. Contact person Leon Koch Franz Haslbeck
AEP	Finding Active Sites on Fuel Cell Catalysts with Scanning Tunneling Microscopy	Bandarenka
Research group Physics of Energy Conversion and Storage Description Currently, one of the main goals of our society is to reduce carbon emissions to stop the global temperature increase. A popular approach is to use hydrogen as a fuel as it would provide a sustainable and worldwide accessible energy system based on abundant resources and zero-emission. For the dream of a hydrogen economy to become reality, suitable and high-performing catalysts have to be identified and developed. Commonly, theoretical models and calculations are employed to gather information on the geometric structure of an optimal catalyst and its active sites. In our group, we use an experimental technique based on conventional scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to in-situ identify active sites. The resulting insights can help to develop catalytic materials with optimal shapes and sizes and reduce the amount of rare materials needed for the construction of e.g. fuel cells, metal-air batteries, or electrolyzers. The content of this experimental Master thesis is to apply the STM technique on different systems and to ideally achieve atomic resolution. A current collaboration will try to link our STM approach to machine learning for a more efficient evaluation or even prediction of the data. Especially haptic sensitivity will be helpful in this work. If you’re interested, please send an e-mail with a short introduction of your person and scientific background. We’re looking forward to meeting you! Possible starting date: October 2021 or later Contact: Regina Kluge (regina.kluge@ph.tum.de) Contact person Regina Kluge
BIO	Growing shapes: Kinetics of integrating cell wall material into the envelope of a growing cell	Gerland
Research group Theory of Complex Bio-Systems Description The aim of this Master thesis is to explore different modes of cell wall growth, which is locally controlled by enzymes but has a global effect on the shape of the cell. Which schemes of enzymatic action permit stably growing cell shapes? And which ones can mimick the observed growth behavior of different bacterial species? These fundamental questions are surpisingly largely open, partially due to the difficulty of experimentally determining which local properties of the cell wall affect the enzymatic activity. In light of this experimental barrier, conceptual theoretical models can classify different plausible schemes by their large-scale behavior, which is more easily observed experimentally. This thesis will combine simulations of stochastic models for growing shapes with simple analytical toy models to address some of the open questions. Contact person Cesar Lopez Pastrana
KM	Hochauflösende Produktanalyse bei der elektrokatalytischen CO2 Reduktion mittels differentieller electrochemischer Massenspektrometrie (DEMS)	Schindler
Research group Chemical Physics Beyond Equilibrium Description Die Reduktion von CO2 und Herstellung verschiedener Kohlenwasserstoffe aus CO2 verläuft über verschiedene Reaktionswege und Reaktionsprodukte. Diese sind sehr stark beeinflußt von der Elektrodenoberfläche bzw. dem Katalysator, an dem die Reaktion abläuft. Zur Entwicklung geeigneter Katalysatoren ist es von entscheidender Bedeutung, die Korrelation auftretender Produkte und Zwischenprodukte der elektrochemischen CO2 Reduktion mit den jeweiligen Elektrodenoberflächen detailliert zu untersuchen. Dies soll in dieser Masterarbeit mittels "Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry (DEMS)" durchgeführt werden, die es erlaubt sowohl Probevolumina aus dem flüssigen Elektrolyten als auch dem Gasvolumen oberhalb des Elektrolyten zu analysieren. The reduction of CO2 and the production of various hydrocarbons from CO2 takes place via various reaction pathways and interstitial reaction products. These are very strongly influenced by the electrode surface or the catalyst on which the reaction takes place. In order to develop suitable catalyst materials, it is of crucial importance to examine in detail the correlation between the products and intermediate products of the electrochemical CO2 reduction and the respective electrode surfaces. In this master's thesis, this shall be carried out by means of "Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry (DEMS)", which allows both sample volumes from the liquid electrolyte and from the gas volume above the electrolyte to be analyzed.
KTA	How quark-gluon plasma flows in ALICE experiment	Fabbietti
Research group Dense and Strange Hadronic Matter Description It is predicted that in its early stage, our Universe was made of deconfined quarks and gluons, a state known as the quark-gluon plasma (QGP). Understanding its properties is therefore a crucial element in the description of the first instants after the Big Bang. In order to deepen our current knowledge of the QGP, high-energy nuclear physicists turn to the study of ultrarelativistic collisions in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. QGP formation is indeed a well-known stage in the evolution of the collision of two heavy ions, like lead, while signs of its possible creations have been seen in smaller system sizes, like p-Pb or even pp. The estimation of the anisotropies in the azimuthal distribution of the produced particles is one of the probes used by experimentalists to access the collective properties of the QGP. Sophisticated analysis techniques, gathered under the name of multiparticle correlation techniques, have been developed in recent years to measure the anisotropic flow phenomenon at the origin of the observed asymmetric distributions and provided great help in constraining the parametrization of the initial state and collective evolution of the system. Another important development towards this goal is the introduction of Bayesian methods, where the model parameters can be inferred from the experimental observables. This leads to a better understanding of the underlying theoretical models. Nevertheless, despite these formidable advancements in the evaluation of the QGP properties, the uncertainties remain still large, and the introduction of novel observables and new measurements is needed to fix this issue. After an introduction to the phenomenon of anisotropic flow, and its analysis techniques, the candidate students will have the possibility to work on various research topics: ● Experimental measurement of newly developed observables in Pb-Pb collisions recorded by the ALICE detector at the LHC, during Run1 and Run2, and their comparisons with the predictions from different tunings of Bayesian analyses. The determination of new tunings and consecutive generations of simulated events by the student can also be considered. ● Investigations on the dependence of the various flow observables on the collision system size. ALICE has already collected events for pp, p-Pb, Xe-Xe and Pb-Pb collisions, and O-O data are planned for the future Run3. Studying the anisotropic flow in such a wide range of system sizes helps advance our understanding of QGP formation. Moreover, such measurements would provide great insights into the supposed robustness of the parameter tuning obtained with Bayesian studies. ● Developments of new theoretical observables, complementary to the traditional techniques, and feasibility studies of their experimental measurements. Through these projects, the candidate student will be able to develop data analysis skills using some of the most used programming languages in high-energy particle physics (e.g. ROOT, bash, Mathematica, C++, ...), while experiencing the atmosphere of an international collaboration. Contact person Cindy Mordasini Seyed Farid Taghavi
KTA	In-situ electron microscopy for mechanical testing	Petry
Research group FRM II Description Starting from July 2022, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research neutron source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) is looking for a M.Sc. student / working student / internship In-situ electron microscopy for mechanical testing The research working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is working on the qualification of newly-developed high-density nuclear fuels in Europe. The most promising candidates are a metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) or high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both using aluminum-based cladding. Therefore, scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, physical technology and computer science are working intensively together on fuel fabrication technologies, the determination of material properties as well as the irradiation behavior of such fuels. As radioactive specimen are often limited in sample size, and mechanical properties cannot be measured quickly. Therefore, this project includes the installation of an in situ testing device for mechanical properties within the electron microscope. Further, an evaluation for different materials (e.g. uranium, aluminum, tungsten, zirconium…) is required, where the obtained mechanical data is compared to macroscopic measurements and alternative measurement techniques such as acoustic microscopes. The work also includes specimen preparation, which are cut with the Focused Ion Beam (FIB) of the Electron Microscope. Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. We are looking forward to receive your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Julia Mausz (Julia.Mausz@frm2.tum.de ; +49 89 289 14419) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atomic law.
KM	Investigation of many-body couplers for superconducting qubits (topic is not available any more)	Filipp
Research group Technical Physics Description High connectivity between qubits can lead to significant advantages when compiling quantum algorithm on real hardware. For example, in trapped ion quantum computing architectures multi-qubit entanglement is mediated by shared oscillator modes, allowing for all-to-all connectivity and long range interactions. In this project we aim to explore the coupling of multiple superconducting quantum circuits (qubits or resonators) via a shared coupling element. We investigate simultaneous couplings between multiple superconducting circuit elements by controlling the interaction strength and interaction time. The ideal outcome of this project is the demonstration of useful quantum operations, such as joint measurements, qubit reset or quantum operations on multiple qubits. Contact person Ivan Tsitsilin
BIO	Koordinierung von Informationen innerhalb eines nicht-neuralen Organismus	Alim
Research group Theory of Biological Networks Description The smart slime mould Physarum polycephalum is renowned for its ability to solve complex problems - lacking any brain nor organising center. Instead the giant cell that makes up the entire organism houses thousands of nuclei that altogether control the organisms behaviour. How do nuclei interact to mount behaviour? Do they compete, cooperate or happily ignore each other? You will follow nuclei dynamics with fluorescence microscopy during the organism’s response to an environmental challenge. Quantification of individual nuclei trajectories will inform you if nuclei act individually or cooperatively during behavioural response. You will have the opportunity to discuss your findings with biologists and applied mathematicians throughout your project.
KM	Non-reciprocal devices for microwave signal routing	Filipp
Research group Technical Physics Description Breaking time-reversal symmetry by external magnetic fields leads to non-reciprocal behavior of microwave propagation that can be used for signal routing and isolation. In the context of superconducting qubits this becomes relevant to shield the qubits from incoming radiation along the readout path. In this project you will gain an understanding of different types of circulators and isolators and evaluate high bandwidth realizations based on Josephson junction elements or novel materials, in which chiral edge plasmons or topological insulators could be used for non-reciprocal devices without external fields. In collaboration with the group of Prof. Knolle and the group of Prof. Holleitner we will explore a variety of different materials both from the theoretical and the experimental perspective. You will then test suitable realizations at cryogenic temperatures, study losses and reflection properties and investigate, how these devices can be integrated directly onto the superconducting qubit chip.
KM	Optomechanics of coupled micro-drums	Poot
Research group Quantum Technologies Description In this project you will dive into the interesting field of cavity optomechanics. We create micrometer-scale mechanical devices made from silicon nitride using advanced nanofabrication techniques here on campus: imagine a drum, but now more than 10 000x smaller! So small that it can be played ustilizing the momentum of photons, the so-called radiation pressure. You will also use light to extract information about mechanical properies - like their quality factors and resonance frequencies and even see their eigenmodes. What happens to these properties when many of the drums are coupled? That will be the key question of your project. We apply a novel technique to perform usually very long measurements on rather short time scales. We already have some working samples, so you can directly start and go ahead with the measurements. But you will also have the chance to learn many aspects of nanofabrication and make your own devices in the cleanroom, then measure them, and analyze the data. Contact person David Hoch
AEP	Organic Solar Cells for Space Applications	Müller-Buschbaum
Research group Functional Materials Description Organic solar cells have become a hot research topic in the last few years. The lightweight thin-film solar cells are of particular interest for space applications due to their exceptional power per mass, exceeding their inorganic counterparts by magnitudes. Recently, we performed the Organic and Hybrid Solar Cells In Space experiment (OHSCIS) and launched of organic solar cells to space for the first time. The mechanical and electronic design of the experiment aimed at maximizing the data collection rate and precise measurements. We showed that the organic solar cells operate in space conditions and produce reasonable power per area of up to 7 mW cm-2. Also during a phase being turned away from the sun, the solar cells produced power from collecting faint Sun-light scattered from Earth. Our results highlight the potential for near-Earth applications and deep space missions of these technologies. Soon a next space missing will come up and presently we are looking for an interested master student to join the exiting next flight of organic solar cells to space. The task will be to make new sets of organic solar cells and test them with the set-up. After the successful flight to space, the solar cell data need to be evaluated and analyzed in detail to learn from the space flight.
AEP	Performance evaluation of humidified gaseous particle detectors	Fabbietti
Research group Dense and Strange Hadronic Matter Description Micropattern gas detectors (MPGD) are a type of particle detector used in many large high energy physics experiments (Atlas, CMS, ALICE). MPGDs work by amplifying the signals generated by charged particles traversing a gas volume. This is made possible by using amplification structures with micrometre scale patterns. There are different designs of such detectors, which include Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) and Micro-Mesh Gaseous Structure (Micromegas). These are both highly scalable and offer good performance. Still, one of the main limiting factors for the long-term stable operation of MPGDs is the formation of electrical discharges inside the amplification structures. Due to this, there has been an extensive effort over the years to understand and develop methods to mitigate these discharges. One of the remaining questions however is how the humidity (the water content) of the used gas mixture affects the formation of discharges in MPDS. This project aims to conduct the first comprehensive studies investigating the correlation between gas humidity and MPGD discharge stability. For this task, a dedicated detector chamber will be used with modifications to the gas system which enables the precise control of the ambient humidity levels. This venture is a great entry point for anyone interested in particle detector hardware research and development. The achieved results of which might end up shaping the next generation of cutting-edge high energy physics experiments! Contact person Berkin Ulukutlu
AEP	Perovskite Solar Cells for Space Applications	Müller-Buschbaum
Research group Functional Materials Description Perovskite solar cells have become a hot research topic in the last few years. The lightweight thin-film solar cells are of particular interest for space applications due to their exceptional power per mass, exceeding their inorganic counterparts by magnitudes. Recently, we performed the Organic and Hybrid Solar Cells In Space experiment (OHSCIS) and launched of perovskite solar cells to space for the first time. The mechanical and electronic design of the experiment aimed at maximizing the data collection rate and precise measurements. We showed that the perovskite solar cells operate in space conditions and produce reasonable power per area of up to 14 mW cm-2. Also during a phase being turned away from the sun, the solar cells produced power from collecting faint Sun-light scattered from Earth. Our results highlight the potential for near-Earth applications and deep space missions of these technologies. Soon a next space missing will come up and presently we are looking for an interested master student to join the exiting next flight of perovskite solar cells to space. The task will be to make new sets of perovskite solar cells and test them with the set-up. After the successful flight to space, the solar cell data need to be evaluated and analyzed in detail to learn from the space flight.
KTA	Post-irradiation examination of U-Mo/Al based fuel samples irradiated by swift Xe ions	Petry
Research group FRM II Description Starting spring 2022, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research neutron source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) is looking for a M.Sc. student / working student / internship Post-irradiation examination of U-Mo/Al based fuel samples irradiated by swift Xe ions The research working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is working on the qualification of newly-developed high-density nuclear fuels in Europe. The most promising candidates are a metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) or high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both using aluminum-based cladding. Therefore, scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, physical technology and computer science are working intensively together on fuel fabrication technologies, the determination of material properties as well as the irradiation behavior of such fuels. The past test irradiations of U-Mo/Al fuels showed an unsatisfying irradiation behavior. This is mainly caused by the growth of an interdiffusion layer (IDL) between the two materials. To thoroughly study this phenomenon and find proper solutions, U-Mo/Al fuels with selected diffusion coating barriers have been prepared and shipped to Argonne National Laboratory (US) for ion irradiation tests, which can very well simulate in-reactor irradiation at a much lower cost. The applicant for this topic is supposed to work on the post-irradiation examination followed by the irradiation experiment with advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with focused ion beam (FIB) sample preparation and element detection by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. We are looking forward to your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Jingyi Shi (Jingyi.Shi@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 12695) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atomic law.
KTA	Preparation and investigation of U3Si2/Al fuel samples	Petry
Research group FRM II Description Starting spring 2022, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research neutron source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) is looking for a M.Sc. student / working student / internship Preparation and investigation of U3Si2/Al fuel samples The research working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is working on the qualification of newly-developed high-density nuclear fuels in Europe. The most promising candidates are a metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) or high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both using aluminum-based cladding. Therefore, scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, physical technology and computer science are working intensively together on fuel fabrication technologies, the determination of material properties as well as the irradiation behavior of such fuels. This project aims at gaining insight into the performance of high-density U3Si2/Al fuels. The applicant for this topic is supposed to prepare U3Si2/Al bilayer samples that can represent the fuel system using the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technique. The thermal properties of this kind of fuel can be investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements. To predict its irradiation behavior, ion irradiation experiments are expected to be performed under certain conditions that can represent the in-reactor irradiation environment. Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. We are looking forward to your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Jingyi Shi (Jingyi.Shi@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 12695) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atomic law.
KTA	Production of Hypertriton and 3He via Coalescence in Event Generators	Fabbietti
Research group Dense and Strange Hadronic Matter Description In high-energy hadron-hadron/hadron-nuclei collisions at the LHC, the production of light (anti)nuclei and more complex multi-baryon bound states is observed. Their production yields have been measured as a function of transverse momentum (pT). Such measurements play key role in important astrophysical value as they provide input for the background estimates in indirect dark matter searches in space. However the current theoretical description of the production mechanism of light(anti)nuclei and hyper(anti)nuclei is still a big challenge. There are two phenomenological models are typically used to describe the production of multi-baryon bound states: the statistical hadronisation model (SHM) and the coalescence model. The former assumes that the light nuclei are emitted from a source in local thermal and hadrochemical equilibrium and their abundances are fixed at chemical freeze-out. Whereas in the later, light nuclei are assumed to be formed by the coalescence of protons and neutrons which are close in phase space at kinetic freeze-out. In the recent developments of coalescence model, the quantum-mechanical properties of nucleons, and nuclei are taken into account and the coalescence probability is calculated from the overlap between the source function of the emitted protons neutrons and hyperons which are mapped on the Wigner density of the nuclei and hypernuclei. Goal: Simulation of the yield-spectra as a function of transverse momentum (pT) using a wigner density approach in coalescence model and compare with the measurements in hadronhadron collisions for 3He and He . The wigner densities will be constructed using the three-body wave functions. The student will first be introduced to the ALICE software based on the C++ programming language. Over the course of time all the necessary concepts related to theory will be taught in close supervision of two PhD students. Contact person Bhawani Singh
KM	Scaling and 3D integration of superconducting qubit devices (topic is not available any more)	Filipp
Research group Technical Physics Description To build powerful quantum computers based on superconducting qubits, one has to face the challenge of a limited area on a planar chip to host an increasing number of qubits. Therefore, efforts to minimize the footprint per qubit and to provide scalable means to address and readout all qubits are key to further progress. The goal is to develop new fabrication and integration techniques such as superconducting air-bridges/crossover that add the third dimension to the usual 2D designs of quantum computers as well as through silicon vias (TSVs), small diameter holes through the silicon substrate that enable us to connect both sides of the chip as well as stacking several chips on top of each other. These additional degrees of freedom will enable us to implement advanced designs for qubits and resonators and increase the number of quantum circuits on a chip. During this project you will learn important nanofabrication techniques like photolithography, thin film deposition and reactive ion etching. You will also model and characterize superconducting quantum circuits. Contact person Leon Koch
AEP	Selten-Erd Photoleiter zur Erzeugung und Detektion von Terahertz Strahlung	Koblmüller
Research group Semiconductor Nanostructures and Quantum Systems Description Terahertz (100 GHz - 10 THz) devices experience a fast growth of interest in recent years, where photonic systems (such as photomixers) are on the horizon to soon enable commercial or industrial THz applications. The operation of photonic systems relies, principally, on the excitation of a photoconductive material by e.g. a pulsed laser with a pulse duration much shorter that 1 ps = 1 THz-1 (typically < 100 fs). Thereby, the photoconductive material (a highly resistive semiconductor) is switched by the laser pulse to a conductive state by generating electron-hole pairs via absorption, while an applied DC bias further separates the carriers, giving rise to a current containing THz frequency components. So far, the major bottleneck hindering desired performance metrics, was the photoconductive material itself. The material needs to fulfill numerous requirements, such as e.g. high absorption coefficient at the technologically relevant 1.55 µm wavelength range, sub-ps carrier life¬time, high carrier mobility, high breakdown field strength and high resistance (low dark current). Therefore, major research efforts are needed to develop new photoconductor materials and bring such photonic systems out of basic research to real-life commercial applications. Goal of Thesis: The aim of this thesis is to develop ultrafast photoconductor materials with small band gap suitable for laser and fiber technology at 1.55 µm. In particular, we will focus on InGaAs-based materials and superlattices doped with self-assembled rare-earth (ErAs, ErSb) precipitates, which act as efficient trap sites to tune carrier lifetime while maintaining high carrier mobility. This prototype system should further allow exceptional control of carrier capture and resistance by p-compensation doping and As/Sb-alloying strategies. Thereby, you will work closely with team members of the SQNM group to learn and develop numerous methods in • the epitaxial synthesis of metal/semiconductor systems (molecular beam epitaxy) • state-of-the-art characterization of structural properties (high-resolution X-ray diffraction, TEM, He-ion microscopy, AFM) • advanced carrier transport & optical spectroscopy (Hall-effect probe, PL) Good knowledge in physics, semiconductors, as well as previous experience with lab work related to characterization of semiconductors are a benefit, but secondary to motivation and commitment. Applications should be sent to Gregor.Koblmueller@wsi.tum.de or Akhil.Ajay@wsi.tum.de. Please include your CV, and a transcript of records (Bachelor & Master). Last date: 15 October 2021 Contact person Akhil Ajay
KM	Semiconductor photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting	Sharp
Research group Experimental Semiconductor Physics Description The Chair for Experimental Semiconductor Physics (Prof. Sharp) at the Walter Schottky Institute of the Technical University Munich (TUM) investigates novel photoelectrode materials for solar energy conversion applications. Our research also explores new materials and different design strategies to improve the photoelectrochemical (PEC) activity and stability of energy materials under operation conditions. More information can be found on our website www.wsi.tum.de. The Master’s project will focus on photoelectrochemical water splitting to generate hydrogen as storable chemical fuel using multi-layer semiconductor photoelectrodes. In this context, one of the main challenges is the material stability under the harsh PEC operating conditions. To overcome this limitation, the Master’s project will focus on protecting/passivating the semiconductor surface with conformal functional layers. Specifically, you will synthesize cobalt oxide thin films by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition on semiconductor light absorbers to yield stable and catalytically active photoelectrodes. Thereby you will explore the influence of composition, optical and interface properties on the photoelectrochemical characteristics. Furthermore, you will investigate these multilayer photoelectrodes under operando conditions utilizing nanoscale microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to gain fundamental insight into their performance under oxygen evolution condition. In our group, you will have the chance to gain hands-on experience in atomic layer deposition of thin catalyst layers, state-of-the-art spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, optoelectronic and diffraction techniques, as well as detailed understanding of the physics of functional semiconductors. Dedicated support from a PhD student will be available during your project.
BIO	Simulating the collective motion of encapsulated enzymes in external substrate gradients	Gerland
Research group Theory of Complex Bio-Systems Description Recent experiments revealed that the diffusion coefficients of enzymes can depend on the concentration of their corresponding substrates: the enzyme diffuses faster in the presence of more substrate. The aim of this thesis is to understand the consequences of this effect on the collective motion of enzymes. Imagine a vesicle immersed in a substrate gradient and loaded with thousands of units of a specific enzyme. What would happen to this vesicle? Would the non-uniform motion of the enzymes inside affect the shape of the vesicle? And what kind of deformations could be produced? Would it be possible to cause the movement of the vesicle along a preferred direction? To tackle these questions, you will be involved in the implementation of Brownian dynamics simulations combining a mesh description of the vesicle, the diffusion-dependent movement of enzymes and the interactions between the enzymes and the vesicle. With this work you can contribute to some of the latest developments in enzyme dynamics and active matter. Moreover, your results can be utilized to design and analyze experiments. Prerequisites: Interest in biophysical systems and in simulations of dynamical systems. Contact person Giovanni Giunta
KM	Strukturen für den Ursprung des Lebens	Alim
Research group Theory of Biological Networks Description Weiße Raucher sind wahrscheinlich die Wiege des Lebens. Ihre Höhlen und Tunnel ermöglichen es Reaktanten an katalytischen Stellen anzusammeln, um damit die Reaktionen am Ursprung des Lebens in Gang setzen. Wie entstehen und wachsen diese katalytischen Stellen mit dem Smoker? Sie werden zweidimensionalen Smoker auf einem Mikrofluidik-Chip wachsen lassen und aus Ihren Daten die Rauchergeometrie vermessen und damit Strömung und Transport im Netzwerk berechnen und mit Ihren Daten vergleichen. Sie lernen Mikrofluidik, Mikroskopie, Matlab, Bildanalyse und die Strömungsphysik der laminaren Strömung in Strömungsnetzen kennen. Voraussetzungen: Statistische Physik und Faszination für die Wunder der Natur.
KTA	Studien zur Suche nach dem Protonzerfall im zukünftigen JUNO Experiment (topic is not available any more)	Oberauer
Research group Experimental Astro-Particle Physics Description Der sich im Aufbau befindliche JUNO Detektor hat neben der Neutrinophysik das Potential zur Suche nach dem Protonzerfall. In der Arbeit soll die Signatur solcher hypothetischen Ereignisse am Computer in Simulationen bestimmt und mit der von möglichen Hintergrundereignissen atmosphärischer Neutrinos verglichen werden, um so eine Strategie zur Suche nach dem Protonzerfall zu entwickeln. Aus den Resultaten der Simulationen sollen zudem die Rahmenbedingungen für Testexperimente am Beschleuniger bestimmt werden, mit denen die Signatur des Protonzerfalls experimentell bestimmt werden kann. Contact person Matthias Raphael Stock
BIO	Studying the bacterial life cycle and morphology using flow cytometry	Gerland
Research group Theory of Complex Bio-Systems Description The flow cytometer is an optical device that can measure cell properties at a single cell level with a high throughput. The aim of this Master thesis is to explore the dynamics of bacterial populations using flow cytometry to address the following questions: How does a cell population change at the onset of growth arrest? What are the dynamics of cellular viability during starvation? Do bacteria uniformly die under starvation or are there growing subpopulations? Can one accurately infer morphological information from flow cytometry data? How can cell dynamics under starvation be modeled with the help of stochastic processes? Contact person Seyed Hamid Seyed Allaei
KTA	Studying the spacial and kinematic properties of the particle emission in pp collisions at the LHC	Fabbietti
Research group Dense and Strange Hadronic Matter Description In recent years, the method of femtoscopy has been successfully applied to make use of two-particle momentum correlations to investigate the strong force acting upon a pair of hadrons [Nature 588 (2020) 232-238]. This has been achieved by creating, at TUM, a numerical framework capable of modeling the pair-wise particle emission profile [Phys.Lett.B 811 (2020) 135849]. Nevertheless, the required input is model dependent, as it requires knowledge on the spacial and momentum correlations of the particles at the moment of their production. The task of the participant is a continuation of the existing work, with the specific duty of studying the possibility of applying more generic methods to obtain information on the initial properties of the emission region. Finally, the bachelor candidate will implement the procedure within a universal framework, that is to be used in future N-body femtoscopic studies. The requirements are: 1) Basic knowledge and interest in KTA. 2) Basic knowledge and interest in programming. The gained experience is: 1) The basics of the statistical thermal model analysis of particle production at LHC. 2) Understanding of the femtoscopy method, with a stress on the particle emission in high-energy proton-proton collisions. 3) Working with numerical Monte-Carlo models. 4) Improvement of the programming skills, in particular C++ and the ROOT framework, both of which are essential in the field of data analysis. In addition, basic knowledge related to Python and Linux will be gained. Contact person Dimitar Mihaylov
KTA	Study of Kirkendall effect in U-Mo/Al layer systems	Petry
Research group FRM II Description Starting immediately, the working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research neutron source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) I is looking for a M.Sc. student / working student / internship Study of Kirkendall effect in U-Mo/Al layer systems The research working group “High Density Nuclear Fuels” at the research reactor FRM II is working on the qualification of newly-developed high-density nuclear fuels in Europe. The most promising candidates are a metallic uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel (U-Mo) or high-density uranium silicide (U3Si2), both using aluminum-based cladding. Therefore, scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, physical technology and computer science are working intensively together on fuel fabrication technologies, the determination of material properties as well as the irradiation behavior of such fuels. The past test irradiations of U-Mo/Al fuels showed an unsatisfying swelling under irradiation. This is mainly caused by the growth of an interdiffusion layer (IDL) between the two materials. Initial fission gas accumulation sites are possibly located in nm-sized voids formed due to the unequal diffusion rates of the two species (Kirkendall effect). This effect can be observed for example by placing insoluble markers at the interface, which move relative to the interface. The applicant for this topic is supposed to prepare U-Mo/Al bilayer samples with selected inert markers, conduct ion irradiation or heating experiments to activate the atomic diffusion, and perform scanning electron microscopy/ energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) analyses. The goal of this study is to obtain an in-depth understanding of the fission gas accumulation and growth in U-Mo/Al fuels. Best suited are students studying physics, engineering, materials science or comparable studies. We are looking forward to your application. Further information on the fuel development at FRM II can be found at https://www.frm2.tum.de/en/fuel-development For questions and applications, please contact Bruno Baumeister (bruno.baumeister@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 13967) Jingyi Shi (Jingyi.Shi@frm2.tum.de; +49 89 289 12695) Framework conditions The tasks typically involve working in radiation protection areas with open handling of radioactive materials such as uranium. The high security standard of FRM II generally requires a security clearance according to the German atomic law.
KM	Superconducting devices based on superconductor/ferromagnet heterostructures	Gross
Research group Technical Physics Description The combination of ferromagnetic and superconducting materials leads to intriguing proximity effects at the interface of the two materials. The goal of this thesis is to investigate the spin transport of superconductor/ferromagnet interfaces and model the obtained results in the framework of proximity effects. To this end, we will fabricate superconducting devices based on superconductor/ferromagent heterostructures with a special focus on controlling magnetization dynamics via superconducting charge currents. This requires investigations at low temperatures around the critical temperature of the superconductor in large magnetic fields. In addition microwave magnetic fields will be employed to drive magnetization dynamics in the ferromagnet and excitations in the superconductor. We are looking for a talented master student to investigate spin transport in superconductor/ferromagnet heterostructures. You will fabricate superconductor/ferromagnet heterostructures using our new UHV sputtering system. As a next step, you will structure these blanket films with optical and electron beam lithography into superconducting devices. Finally, you will characterize your fabricated samples at low temperatures utilizing superconducting magnet cryostats. Here, high frequency spin dynamics as well magnetotransport studies are the focus of your thesis. Contact person Hans-Gregor Hübl Matthias Althammer
KM	Synchronization and nonlinear dynamics of nanomechanical oscillators	Poot
Research group Quantum Technologies Description Synchronization is a universal phenomenon that is knows since they days of Huygens. When two or more oscillators with slightly different frequencies are coupled, they will start to move in phase. We can create small mechanical devices using advanced nanofabrication techniques here on campus. By sending light of the right wavelength, they start to oscillate, and when increasing the power the optomechanical coupling synchronizes them. The goal of this project is to synchronize devices made from silicon nitride, which is a special material with a lot of stress in it, and to increase the number of synchronized oscillators. The larger the system becomes, the richer the nonlinear dynamics will become. You will first make the devices in the cleanroom, measure them, and analyze the data. See http://www.groups.ph.tum.de/en/qtech/openings/ for a detailed description of this project.
KTA	Three-body strong interaction studied using femtoscopic correlation functions	Fabbietti
Research group Dense and Strange Hadronic Matter Description One of the main challenges of the modern era in particle physics is to obtain a quantitative description of the three-body strong interaction among particles, such as nucleons and hyperons. Three-body forces are indeed crucial for the understanding of the nuclear structure as well as the inner composition of compact stellar objects like the neutron stars. Nevertheless, an accurate microscopic description of the three-body problem is still far from being achieved and precise experimental data to test the existing models are strongly demanded. In recent years, the ALICE Collaboration at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) provided unprecedented experimental information on the two-body strong interaction among particle pairs using the femtoscopy technique (for a complete review see [1]). The interaction models are constrained by studying the particle correlation in the momentum space. The extension of such a powerful technique to the case of three-particle systems is currently under development, in view of the future LHC Run-3 data-taking which will allow to probe the three-body interactions. The student will contribute to the development of the three-body femtoscopy by studying the shape of the correlation functions in the case of attractive and repulsive three-body potentials. To this end, the student will perform analytical calculations at the second order of the perturbation theory in Quantum Mechanics using the available potential models and will make use of toy Monte Carlo simulations to produce the expected correlation functions. [1] L. Fabbietti, V. Mantovani Sarti, O. Vazquez Doce, arXiv:2012.09806 [nucl-ex] Contact person Raffaele Del Grande
KTA	Toward a complete b->c tau nu fit in the Weak Effective Theory	van Dyk
Research group Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics Description You will use the EOS software to generate a hypothetical data set of experimental measurements, and use it to validate a fit of the b->c tau nu Wilson coefficients of the effective theory. You will take care to explore possible blind directions in the parameter space, and seek new observables that break these blind directions. Your thesis will pave the way toward a complete extraction of the experimental information contained in upcoming data sets by the LHCb and Belle II experiments. Knowledge of Python is required. Contact person Meril Reboud
KTA	Untersuchung der Signalantwort des MADMAX Experiments zur Suche nach Axionen als dunkler Materie	Majorovits
Research group Max-Planck-Institute for Physics / Werner-Heisenberg-Institute (MPP) Description Im Rahmen des MADMAX Projektes zur Suche nach dunkler Materie Axionen werden verschiedene Testaufbauten bei Raumtemperatur und in flüssigem Helium (4 K) zur Kalibrierung und zur Untersuchung der genauen Signalantwort des experimentellen Aufbaus betrieben. Es werden Reflektionsdaten Daten genommen und ausgewertet. In the frame work of the MADMAX projects several test stands at room tamperature and in liquid helium for the investigation of the detailled system response and for calibration of the setup are being operated. Reflectivity data will be atken and analyzed.

Registering the research phase

The registration to all modules belonging to the research phase is done at once in the Dean's Office (Dekanat), normally at the beginning of the third Master's semester. When doing this, the certificate of mentor counseling has to be included. After agreeing on a topic with the future supervisor, students can print out the registration form in the student access.

After six months the Master's thesis should begin. Passing the Master's seminar and the Master's training will be recorded in TUMonline and you are officially alowed to start the thesis.

Handing in the thesis and getting the grade

Before handing in the Master's thesis, you need to update the final titel of the thesis in the database (student access) and upload an electronic copy (PDF-file). Afterwards, you have to hand in two printed versions in the Dean's Office (Dekanat). Alternatively you may hand in the rpinted copies via postal mail – use the submission letter you may generate on the status page after uploading the thesis PDF for this. The submission letter (as well as the submission form at the Dean’s Office) especially contains the required statement according to §18 paragraph 9 APSO.

You have to hand in the thesis at the latest on the deadline, please keep this on mind. The thesis is not handed in until the two paper copies and the signed submission form (or the signed submission letter for postal submission) physically arrived at the Dean’s Office! If the two copies and the submission letter are given into the mail without any delay we can interpret the date of uploading the PDF file as submission date retroactively.

Extension of the deadline is only possible for good reasons. See FAQ on Thesis extension.

The Master's thesis will be evaluated by the supervisor and a second examiner. The second examiner is appointed by the examination board on suggestion of the supervisor (after official registration of Master’s thesis).

The supervisor and the second examiner will also grade the Master's colloquium, which completes the research phase.

Re-enrollment during the research phase

For any examination you must be enrolled as a student of TUM. Hence you need to re-enroll for one semester more e.g. if you hand in your Master’s thesis or your Master’s colloquium takes place after the current semester ends. According to APSO, coursework and examinations until the first week of the lectures of the next semester are counted for the current semester – but for the Master's Thesis the rule is: you must be enrolled at the date you hand in your thesis (meaning handing in after 1st of April or 1st of October is impossible if your are not re-enrolled in summer or winter semester respectively)

With a due date for your thesis e.g. in October, you should not forget to re-enroll for the winter semester and the corresponding deadline would be August 15.

Organization of the colloquium

The Master’s colloquium is organised and conducted by the supervisor together with the second examiner. The Master’s colloquium takes approximately 60 minutes, consisting of a 30 minutes talk and 30 minutes examination. Naturally, the inclusion of the colloquium in a group seminar is possible.

Completing your Master studies

At the end of the semester in which you reach the necessary 120 ECTS in your Master's degree program you will be exmatriculated (according to §13(1) enrolment rules of TUM). In most cases the Master's colloquium will be the last exam to reach this point.

Taking further exams and final documents

You are principally allowed to take further exams after reaching the 120 ECTS, i.e. to replace previous results in the catalog of special courses or non-physics courses with better results. Therefore it is generally not possible that the final documents are generated before you are exmatriculated. In case you need the final documents (or even preliminary documents) earlier, you have to request for it explicitly. See the Remarks on end of studies and final documents for further information.

Deriving the final grade

The final grade is the ECTS-weighted average of the graded exams, which are used to fulfill the 120 ECTS. These are the elective course in theoretical physics, the special courses, the non-physics courses, the Master's thesis and colloquium.

If you have taken more than 30 ECTS in the special courses or more than 8 ECTS in the non-physics elective courses, then TUMonline will try to find the combination, which results in the best final grade. Redundant courses will be listed as "additional courses" in your transcript. If you want a different combination than the one TUMonline is suggesting, please contact the coordinator of the Master's degree program before the final documents are printed.

Nr.	Module	Credits (CP)	ca. %
1	Theoretical physics	10	12
2	Special courses	30	36
3	Non-Physics courses	8	10
4	Master's thesis	30	36
5	Master's colloquium	5	6
	Sum	83	100