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

Current Info Events

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 Chiara Pinto
KM	A finite temperature quantum algorithm for the Hubbard model	Knap
Research group Collective Quantum Dynamics Description The goal of the thesis is to develop an analyze finite temperature algorithms for quantum computers. The field is quickly evolving. Please contact me to discuss a concrete project.
AEP	Characterisation of photon-counting hybrid-pixel detectors	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description Hybrid-pixel photon-counting detectors have been developed in high-energy physics in the past and presently being implemented in several medical imaging applications. They offer higher spatial resolution and additional energy resolution and therefore hold significant potential for future improvement in radiography and CT. This work will investigate some basic detector physics characteristics, and specifically investigate the response of such detectors to inclined radiation, which is very important for some spectral imaging applications. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with external industrial collaborators. Character of thesis work: experimental physics (70%) & image processing (30%) For more information, please contact: Daniel Berthe (daniel.berthe@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Daniel Berthe
AEP	Convolutional neural networks and transfer learning for artefacts reduction in X-ray dark-field CT (topic is not available any more)	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description Grating-based X-ray dark-field (DF) imaging uses scattering of X-rays to create an image of an object, rather than conventional X-ray attenuation. The combination of X-ray scattering with imaging allows us to map information about structures that are much smaller than the resolution of the imaging system over a large field of view. X-ray dark-field imaging can be combined with computed tomography (CT) to create three-dimensional images of the scattering distribution inside an object. DF-CT was recently implemented for the first time into a clinical CT here at TUM (https://www.bioengineering.tum.de/en/news/details/new-technology-for-clinical-ct-scans). The goal of this project is to use convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to remove sampling artefacts in DF-CT images. Due to the unavailability of training data from the DF-CT machine, a technologically similar experimental setup and apply transfer learning will be used. The student will acquire, process and prepare training data, as well as train and apply CNNs. Character of thesis work: experimental lab work/ data acquisition (50%) & computational/ image processing (50%) Basic experience in image processing, CNNs, and/or Python programming are desirable. For more information, please contact: Dr. Florian Schaff (florian.schaff@tum.de), or Prof. Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de). Contact person Florian Schaff
KTA	CRESST: Freezing cold, deep underground, illuminating the dark (matter)	Schönert
Research group Experimental Astro-Particle Physics Description The CRESST (Cryogenic Rare-Event Search with Superconducting Thermometers) experiment operated at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory employs highly sensitive cryogenic detectors to the search for signals of the elusive dark matter particles, a main ingredient of the Universe whose nature is still unknown. The energy thresholds reached in CRESST-III are the lowest in the field, making CRESST the most sensitive experiment to light dark matter. Optimisation of the tungsten thin-film thermometers and of the techniques for data analysis promise will further improve the energy threshold, which will significantly boost the physics reach of the experiment. A student can contribute to: - design, production and prototyping of new CRESST detectors in Munich - development of high purity crystals - development of new software tools for data analysis - dark matter data analysis and, if interested, can participate in the operation of the main experiment at Gran Sasso. The theses can be carried out at the Chair for astroparticle physics of the Physics Department and/or at the Max-Planck-Institute for Physics (MPP). Supervision at the Physics Deptartment by Prof. Schönert / Dr. Strauss and at the MPP by Prof. Schönert / Dr. Federica Petricca. Please contact schoenert@ph.tum.de, raimund.strauss@ph.tum.de and petricca@mpp.mpg.de for further information. We will organize a dedicated meeting for interested (bachelor) students on Tuesday, February 1, 14:00-16:00. For more information please check https://www.moodle.tum.de/course/view.php?id=75320 . Also Master students are welcome to join the meeting.
AEP	Design of a Scintillation Detector with Drift Monitoring via a Pulser System	Märkisch
Research group Particle Physics at Low Energies Description The Proton and Electron Radiation Channel (PERC) facility, currently being set up at the FRM II, aims to measure the beta-asymmetry in neutron decay an order of magnitude more precisely to determine parameters of the Standard Model and to search for new physics beyond it. A system of superconducting coils guides the decay products towards the detector systems. PERC has one primary, downstream detector system and a secondary system located upstream, that will identify events with backscattered electrons from the primary detector. At first, the primary detector will be based on a fast plastic scintillator and photomultiplier tubes, similar to the detectors of previous experiments. Calibrating the detectors is a key factor in achieving the precision aimed at. Radioactive sources with mono-energetic electrons serve for the calibration. A pulser system continuously monitors the detector’s drift with short, controlled light pulses. The pulser system, which includes a Kapustinsky pulser, a silicon photomultiplier and temperature sensors, is being controlled via an Arduino. Within this project, the student will design and assemble the first primary detector for PERC and commission it including the pulser system. The performance of the detector will studied, including simulations based on Geant4. Contact person Karina Bernert
AEP	Development and Integration of Algorithms for Scientific Satellites	Paul
Research group Hadronic Structure and Fundamental Symmetries Description The Laboratory for Rapid Space Missions at the Origins Cluster of Excellence focuses on the development of scientific instruments for compact satellite platforms, called CubeSats. These nanosatellites enable the fast and modular deployment of complete, autonomous satellite systems at low cost. Our research includes detectors to measure antimatter flux in low orbits, where scientific success relies on finding suitable algorithms and hardware platforms to filter and classify particle events. In addition, satellite-based science oftentimes requires precise determination of pointing direction, for which we are developing our own star tracker. We offer opportunities in the fields of data processing, machine learning and hardware design, which could include the following tasks: Simulation and modeling of particle fluxes Data processing for our antimatter detector, including neural networks, particle filters, and conventional classification approaches Image processing and optical engineering for attitude determination with our star tracker Identification of suitable hardware architectures and integration of your own software Work with VHDL, TensorFlow, Python, Zemax, Geant4, Altium Designer What we expect from you: Capability for independent and self-reliant work Motivation, creativity and general interest in data processing and machine learning Hands-on mentality and ability to work in a small, interdisciplinary team Experience in one or more of the above-mentioned programming languages appreciated Are you interested in working in an exciting and challenging environment with state-of-the-art technologies? Let’s have a talk! Contact person Peter Hinderberger
KTA	Development and Integration of Algorithms for Scientific Satellites	Paul
Research group Hadronic Structure and Fundamental Symmetries Description The Laboratory for Rapid Space Missions at the Origins Cluster of Excellence focuses on the development of scientific instruments for compact satellite platforms, called CubeSats. These nanosatellites enable the fast and modular deployment of complete, autonomous satellite systems at low cost. Our research includes detectors to measure antimatter flux in low orbits, where scientific success relies on finding suitable algorithms and hardware platforms to filter and classify particle events. In addition, satellite-based science oftentimes requires precise determination of pointing direction, for which we are developing our own star tracker. We offer opportunities in the fields of data processing, machine learning and hardware design, which could include the following tasks: Simulation and modeling of particle fluxes Data processing for our antimatter detector, including neural networks, particle filters, and conventional classification approaches Image processing and optical engineering for attitude determination with our star tracker Identification of suitable hardware architectures and integration of your own software Work with VHDL, TensorFlow, Python, Zemax, Geant4, Altium Designer What we expect from you: Capability for independent and self-reliant work Motivation, creativity and general interest in data processing and machine learning Hands-on mentality and ability to work in a small, interdisciplinary team Experience in one or more of the above-mentioned programming languages appreciated Are you interested in working in an exciting and challenging environment with state-of-the-art technologies? Let’s have a talk! Contact person Peter Hinderberger Martin Losekamm
AEP	Development of a Star Tracker for Compact Scientific Satellites	Paul
Research group Hadronic Structure and Fundamental Symmetries Description The Laboratory for Rapid Space Missions at the ORIGINS Cluster of Excellence develops scientific instruments for small-satellite missions. For the ComPol mission, which measures the polarization of X-rays emitted by the Cygnus X-1 binary system, a highly precise real-time determination of the satellite’s attitude is essential. To achieve this, we aim to develop our own star-tracking system and tune the tracker’s properties exactly to the observed area in terms of source spectrum, light intensity, geometry, and spatial restrictions. Star trackers are very common instruments in satellite technology that compare an observed star formation with a database to calculate the exact spatial orientation of the satellite. Your objectives include the optical design, assembly, calibration, and testing of a prototype system, the analysis of test data, and assistance with the mechanical layout, hardware design, and integration of a flight system. You will gain skills in optical engineering, including knowledge of the Zemax simulation software, programming and data analysis with Python, mechanical design, and general satellite technology at the interface between science and engineering. If successful, the system you design will be part of future missions to the ISS or on satellites! We expect a high degree of self-responsibility, motivation, creativity, and a good share of curiosity. We offer work in a small, interdisciplinarian team, a broad combination of topics, and enough freedom for self-development and your own ideas. Knowledge of one or more of the above-mentioned fields is highly welcome, but not required. Primary point of contact: Peter Hinderberger (peter.hinderberger@tum.de) Contact person Peter Hinderberger Martin Losekamm
AEP	Distortion correction for high-resolution quantitative X-ray imaging detectors	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description X-ray imaging detectors - in particular for high-resolution microscopy applications - may suffer from distortions, which degrade the image quality. This can have severe negative effects for quantitative applications, such as 3D micro-computed tomography. This project focuses on the characterisation of distortions of several X-ray imaging detectors at the Munich Compact Light Source, and the subsequent development of suitable correction methods. Character of thesis work: mainly computational (image processing) For more information, please contact: Martin Dierolf (martin.dierolf@tum.de), Johannes Melcher (johannes.melcher@tum.de), or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Martin Dierolf Johannes Melcher
KM	Emergente (nichtlineare) Hydrodynamik in Ultrakalten Quantengasen	Knap
Research group Collective Quantum Dynamics Description Isolated quantum matter can thermalize locally because the surrounding system can act as a path. We will study how hydrodynamics can emerge at late times in such systems. The field of quantum dynamics is quickly evolving. Please contact me directly to discuss a concrete project.
AEP	Estimation of Compton scattering in X-ray imaging using neural networks	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description Compton scattering is one of the two primary interactions of X-rays with matter in X-ray imaging (next to photoelectric absorption). In contrast to photoelectric absorption, Compton scattering is an inelastic scattering process during which X-ray photons are deflected and transfer some of their energy to the interaction partner, typically an electron. As a consequence, photons may still reach the detector after Compton interaction. In X-ray imaging, this leads to a smoothly varying background, which reduces contrast and is detrimental to quantitative imaging. Furthermore, the Compton scatter background is not uniform, but instead depends on the materials and their distribution within an imaged object. This makes a straight-forward analytical correction difficult, and existing tools to estimate the Compton background are limited in their accuracy and applicability. The goal of this thesis is to develop methods to a) estimate the Compton scattering background from simple radiographs, and b) correct these images for it. This will be done using machine learning, in particular convolutional neural networks. The student will generate Monte-Carlo simulations based on the Geant4 platform, design and train neural networks, apply them for Compton scatter correction on clinical radiography images, and compare the results to existing approaches. The project involves mostly data preparation, and computational work (85%, primarily Python, with potentially some C++ for Geant4), as well as experimental data collection (15%). The project will involve collaboration with the Radiology department at the TUM Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar. Basic experience in scientific programming, Monte-Carlo simulations, neural networks, and/or X-ray imaging are desirable. For more information, please contact: Dr. Florian Schaff (florian.schaff@tum.de), or Prof. Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de). Contact person Florian Schaff
AEP	Evaluation of spectral photon-counting detectors for chest X-ray cancer screening	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description This project will explore the use of latest hybrid-pixel photon-counting detectors for improving the diagnostic accuracy of chest X-ray examinations. More specifically, this work will use dedicated lung phantoms for evaluationg the potential clinical benefit of the enhanced spatial resolution and energy-resolving capabilities of latest photon-countinghybrid pixel detectors for lung cancer screening. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Radiology at the TUM Klinikum Rechts der Isar and with an external industrial collaborator located in the Munich area. Character of thesis work: experimental physics (50%) & image processing (50%) For more information, please contact: Daniel Berthe (daniel.berthe@tum.de), Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Daniel Berthe
AEP	Evaluation of spectral photon-counting detectors for improved 3D cone-beam dental CT imaging applications	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description This project will explore the use of latest hybrid-pixel photon-counting detectors for improving the image quality in 3D (cone-beam CT) dental imaging applications. More specifically, the project aims at the experimental evaluation of the potential benefits of applying spectral material decomposition for dental CT application. The work will include preclinical experiments using dedicated anthropomorphic head phantoms and subsequent image analysis and interpretation. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Radiology at the TUM Klinikum Rechts der Isar and with an external industrial collaborator located in the Munich area. Character of thesis work: experimental physics (30%) & image processing (70%) For more information, please contact: Daniel Berthe (daniel.berthe@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Daniel Berthe
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
AEP	Fabrication of a superconducting coplanar transmission line for efficient coupling to rare earth spin ensembles	Gross
Research group Technical Physics Description The rare earth spin ensembles are well established by now in the optical domain where the microwave states are used as an intermediate state to extend the storage time [1]. Number of purely microwave manipulations by spin ensembles is very limited and is bound to coupling of spin ensembles to microwave resonating structures [2], which allows amplifying the microwave signal and enhancing the interaction between the ions and the microwave field. The main disadvantage of using these resonating structures is their fixed frequencies and very small tuning range. Typically fabricated in a coplanar design, the superconducting resonators create strongly inhomogeneous distribution of the field within the spin ensemble, which results into largely detuned Rabi frequencies experienced by the spins. Aim of this project is to fabricate novel design of microwave transmission line, which will allow for homogeneous distribution of the microwave field within the excited rare-earth spin ensemble, and at the same time, will not be bound to a specific frequency. This will allow realizing various spin manipulation schemes, which involve more than two energy levels (beyond Hahn-echo) and thus deploy complex spin-manipulation techniques. We are looking for a highly motivated master student joining this project. Within the project, you will gain hands-on experience on design and fabrication of superconducting microwave structures. You will design and fabricate superconducting transmission line, which will then be tested at cryogenic conditions when coupled to rare earth spins ensembles. [1] Kinos, A. et al. Roadmap for Rare-earth Quantum Computing. arXiv 2103.15743 (2021). [2] Ranjan, V. et al. Multimode Storage of Quantum Microwave Fields in Electron Spins over 100 ms. https://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.210505 (2021). Contact person Nadezhda Kukharchyk
KM	Fabrication of a superconducting coplanar transmission line for efficient coupling to rare earth spin ensembles	Gross
Research group Technical Physics Description The rare earth spin ensembles are well established by now in the optical domain where the microwave states are used as an intermediate state to extend the storage time [1]. Number of purely microwave manipulations by spin ensembles is very limited and is bound to coupling of spin ensembles to microwave resonating structures [2], which allows amplifying the microwave signal and enhancing the interaction between the ions and the microwave field. The main disadvantage of using these resonating structures is their fixed frequencies and very small tuning range. Typically fabricated in a coplanar design, the superconducting resonators create strongly inhomogeneous distribution of the field within the spin ensemble, which results into largely detuned Rabi frequencies experienced by the spins. Aim of this project is to fabricate novel design of microwave transmission line, which will allow for homogeneous distribution of the microwave field within the excited rare-earth spin ensemble, and at the same time, will not be bound to a specific frequency. This will allow realizing various spin manipulation schemes, which involve more than two energy levels (beyond Hahn-echo) and thus deploy complex spin-manipulation techniques. We are looking for a highly motivated master student joining this project. Within the project, you will gain hands-on experience on design and fabrication of superconducting microwave structures. You will design and fabricate superconducting transmission line, which will then be tested at cryogenic conditions when coupled to rare earth spins ensembles. [1] Kinos, A. et al. Roadmap for Rare-earth Quantum Computing. arXiv 2103.15743 (2021). [2] Ranjan, V. et al. Multimode Storage of Quantum Microwave Fields in Electron Spins over 100 ms. https://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.210505 (2021). Contact person Nadezhda Kukharchyk
AEP	Fabrication of a superconducting transmission line resonator in a bad-cavity limit	Gross
Research group Technical Physics Description The rare earth spin ensembles are well established by now in the optical domain where the microwave states are used as an intermediate state to extend the storage time [1]. Number of purely microwave manipulations by spin ensembles is very limited and is bound to coupling of spin ensembles to microwave resonating structures [2], which allows amplifying the microwave signal and enhancing the interaction between the ions and the microwave field. The main disadvantage of using these resonating structures is their fixed frequencies and very small tuning range. Typically fabricated in a coplanar design, the superconducting resonators create strongly inhomogeneous distribution of the field within the spin ensemble, which results into largely detuned Rabi frequencies experienced by the spins. Aim of this project is to fabricate novel design of microwave transmission line resonator, which would work in a bad-cavity regime and will thus allow to couple to rare-earth spins at a larger badwidth. This will allow realizing various spin manipulation schemes, which involve more than two energy levels (beyond Hahn-echo) and thus deploy complex spin-manipulation techniques. We are looking for a highly motivated master student joining this project. Within the project, you will gain hands-on experience on design and fabrication of superconducting microwave structures. You will design and fabricate superconducting resonating structure, which will then be tested at cryogenic conditions when coupled to rare earth spins ensembles. [1] Kinos, A. et al. Roadmap for Rare-earth Quantum Computing. arXiv 2103.15743 (2021). [2] Ranjan, V. et al. Multimode Storage of Quantum Microwave Fields in Electron Spins over 100 ms. https://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.210505 (2021). Contact person Thomas Luschmann
KM	Fabrication of a superconducting transmission line resonator in a bad-cavity limit	Gross
Research group Technical Physics Description The rare earth spin ensembles are well established by now in the optical domain where the microwave states are used as an intermediate state to extend the storage time [1]. Number of purely microwave manipulations by spin ensembles is very limited and is bound to coupling of spin ensembles to microwave resonating structures [2], which allows amplifying the microwave signal and enhancing the interaction between the ions and the microwave field. The main disadvantage of using these resonating structures is their fixed frequencies and very small tuning range. Typically fabricated in a coplanar design, the superconducting resonators create strongly inhomogeneous distribution of the field within the spin ensemble, which results into largely detuned Rabi frequencies experienced by the spins. Aim of this project is to fabricate novel design of microwave transmission line resonator, which would work in a bad-cavity regime and will thus allow to couple to rare-earth spins at a larger badwidth. This will allow realizing various spin manipulation schemes, which involve more than two energy levels (beyond Hahn-echo) and thus deploy complex spin-manipulation techniques. We are looking for a highly motivated master student joining this project. Within the project, you will gain hands-on experience on design and fabrication of superconducting microwave structures. You will design and fabricate superconducting resonating structure, which will then be tested at cryogenic conditions when coupled to rare earth spins ensembles. [1] Kinos, A. et al. Roadmap for Rare-earth Quantum Computing. arXiv 2103.15743 (2021). [2] Ranjan, V. et al. Multimode Storage of Quantum Microwave Fields in Electron Spins over 100 ms. https://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.210505 (2021). Contact person Nadezhda Kukharchyk
AEP	Fabrication of low-loss Josephson parametric devices	Gross
Research group Technical Physics Description Superconducting Josephson devices represent one of the leading hardware platforms of modern quantum information processing. In particular, these devices often employ nonlinear parametric effects for tunable coupling schemes or quantum-limited amplification. Such effects can be also used in a multitude of quantum communication & sensing protocols. In this context, a particular challenge arises due to the fundamental requirement for minimizing losses in superconducting systems in order to preserve the fragile quantum nature of related microwave states. To this end, one needs to develop advanced routines for fabrication of low-loss Josephson parametric amplifiers & parametric couplers by exploring various surface treatment approaches or studying novel superconducting materials. The low-loss Josephson devices are to be used in our ongoing experiments towards experimental investigation of particular novel concepts, such as the quantum radar or remote entanglement distribution protocols. This master thesis will involve designing superconducting parametric circuits, cleanroom fabrication, and characterization measurements of fabricated devices with an aim to employ these in microwave quantum communication & sensing experiments. Contact person Kirill Fedorov
KM	Fabrication of low-loss Josephson parametric devices	Gross
Research group Technical Physics Description Superconducting Josephson devices represent one of the leading hardware platforms of modern quantum information processing. In particular, these devices often employ nonlinear parametric effects for tunable coupling schemes or quantum-limited amplification. Such effects can be also used in a multitude of quantum communication & sensing protocols. In this context, a particular challenge arises due to the fundamental requirement for minimizing losses in superconducting systems in order to preserve the fragile quantum nature of related microwave states. To this end, one needs to develop advanced routines for fabrication of low-loss Josephson parametric amplifiers & parametric couplers by exploring various surface treatment approaches or studying novel superconducting materials. The low-loss Josephson devices are to be used in our ongoing experiments towards experimental investigation of particular novel concepts, such as the quantum radar or remote entanglement distribution protocols. This master thesis will involve designing superconducting parametric circuits, cleanroom fabrication, and characterization measurements of fabricated devices with an aim to employ these in microwave quantum communication & sensing experiments. Contact person Kirill Fedorov
KM	Fractonic quantum matter at low temperatures	Knap
Research group Collective Quantum Dynamics Description Fractonic quantum matter possesses excitations with constrained mobility. In two dimensions, excitations can for example only move on one dimensional lines. The goal of this thesis is to study either with numerical or field theoretical techniques their ground state and dynamical properties. The field of fractions is quickly evolving. Please contact me directly to discuss a concrete project.
AEP	Generating small magnetic fields inside an open-end magnetic shielding with a superconducting solenoid magnet (topic is not available any more)	Gross
Research group Technical Physics Description Coherence times of hyperfine transitions of rare earth spin ensembles reach seconds and hours. Particularly, this is possible due to cooling these ensembles down to ultra-low temperatures and taking advantage of Zero First-Oder Zeeman shift transition (ZEFOZ). These ZEFOZ transitions require very precise adjustment of magnetic field, in order to reach the very extremum point with the longest coherence time. Moreover, employing ZEFOZ transition allows working at near-zero magnetic fields [1], which paves the way towards the quantum memory for the superconducting qubits. To have a precise control of the magnetic field at near zero field range, it is necessary to remove or strongly reduce any external background magnetic fields. Alternative way would be to confine the magnetic field and align them along a single axis. Controllably applying another external magnetic field along the same axis, would allow accessing a desired operational point with lowest coherence in a highly controllable way. The goal of this master project is to build such a semi-shielded solenoid magnet with a sample space, which will allow for reaching a desired ZEFOZ point at near-zero magnetic field. We are looking for a highly motivated master student joining this project. Within the project, you will learn about practical realization of magnetic shielding and superconducting magnets. You will design an experimental magnetically controlled sample space for spin-ensemble quantum memories. [1] Y.-H. Chen et al. „Coupling erbium spins to a three-dimensional superconducting cavity at zero magnetic field”, Phys. Rev. B, vol. 94, p. 075117, Aug 2016 Contact person Nadezhda Kukharchyk
KM	Generating small magnetic fields inside an open-end magnetic shielding with a superconducting solenoid magnet (topic is not available any more)	Gross
Research group Technical Physics Description Coherence times of hyperfine transitions of rare earth spin ensembles reach seconds and hours. Particularly, this is possible due to cooling these ensembles down to ultra-low temperatures and taking advantage of Zero First-Oder Zeeman shift transition (ZEFOZ). These ZEFOZ transitions require very precise adjustment of magnetic field, in order to reach the very extremum point with the longest coherence time. Moreover, employing ZEFOZ transition allows working at near-zero magnetic fields [1], which paves the way towards the quantum memory for the superconducting qubits. To have a precise control of the magnetic field at near zero field range, it is necessary to remove or strongly reduce any external background magnetic fields. Alternative way would be to confine the magnetic field and align them along a single axis. Controllably applying another external magnetic field along the same axis, would allow accessing a desired operational point with lowest coherence in a highly controllable way. The goal of this master project is to build such a semi-shielded solenoid magnet with a sample space, which will allow for reaching a desired ZEFOZ point at near-zero magnetic field. We are looking for a highly motivated master student joining this project. Within the project, you will learn about practical realization of magnetic shielding and superconducting magnets. You will design an experimental magnetically controlled sample space for spin-ensemble quantum memories. [1] Y.-H. Chen et al. „Coupling erbium spins to a three-dimensional superconducting cavity at zero magnetic field”, Phys. Rev. B, vol. 94, p. 075117, Aug 2016 Contact person Nadezhda Kukharchyk
AEP	High efficiency next generation organic solar cells	Müller-Buschbaum
Research group Functional Materials Description Next generation organic solar cells are solar cells beyond the silicon type photovoltaic devices. Organic solar cells have reached efficiencies in the champion solar cells well above 18%. Key element of such solar cells is the highly designed active layer, which transfers light into separated charge carriers. Aim of this experimental project is the preparation and full characterization of an active layer for high performance organic photovoltaic devices to further understand the fundamental correlation between morphology and solar cell performance. In this work a novel efficiency record-setting system will be investigated regarding the influence of an additional third component, in our case, either solvent additive or polymer. The project will involve a literature review, sample preparation, photovoltaic device fabrication and photoluminescent measurements. The focus is the usage of advanced scattering techniques for the determination of structural length scales of the active layer in the solar cell.
AEP	High-sensitivity grating-based phase-contrast imaging at the Munich Compact Light Source - Computational Part	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description Using phase-contrast as alternative imaging contrast for X-rays can considerably improve the imaging results for biomedical specimens. This project will focus on the development of an algorithmic framework for a high-sensitivity and high-resolution grating-based phase-contrast micro-tomography setup at the Munich Compact Light Source for investigating soft-tissue biomedical samples, such biopsies. Character of thesis work: mainly computational (image processing/ reconstruction) For more information, please contact: Martin Dierolf (martin.dierolf@tum.de), Johannes Brantl (johannes.brantl@tum.de), or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Martin Dierolf Johannes Brantl
AEP	High-sensitivity grating-based phase-contrast imaging at the Munich Compact Light Source - Experimental Part (topic is not available any more)	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description Using phase-contrast as alternative imaging contrast for X-rays can considerably improve the imaging results for biomedical specimens. This project will focus on the experimental construction of a high-sensitivity and high-resolution grating-based phase-contrast micro-tomography setup at the Munich Compact Light Source for investigating soft-tissue biomedical samples, such as biopsies. Character of thesis work: mainly experimental For more information, please contact: Martin Dierolf (martin.dierolf@tum.de), Johannes Brantl (johannes.brantl@tum.de), or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Johannes Brantl Martin Dierolf
AEP	Hybrid quantum teleportation	Gross
Research group Technical Physics Description Microwave quantum communication is a novel field of science and technology, where one exploits quantum properties of propagating microwave signals to achieve quantum advantage in various communication scenarios. Here, a particularly important protocol is quantum teleportation, where one bypasses fundamental limitations on fidelity of transferred quantum states by exploiting shared entanglement. In this context, an open challenge is teleportation of the most exotic, non-Gaussian, quantum states, such as Fock or Schrödinger cat states, with the help of Gaussian entangled states. In theory, this problem can be addressed by using non-deterministic approaches or incorporating non-Gaussian operations in the teleportation protocol. This master thesis will focus on a theory analysis & numerical simulation of quantum microwave teleportation of non-Gaussian quantum states. Later stages of this master project may include experimental investigation of proof-of-principle hybrid quantum teleportation protocols based on superconducting quantum circuits in the cryogenic environment. Contact person Kirill Fedorov
AEP	Implementation of a grating-based interferometer for X-ray vector radiography at the Munich Compact Light Source (topic is not available any more)	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description Grating-based X-ray dark-field (DF) imaging uses scattering of X-rays to create an image of an object, rather than conventional X-ray attenuation. The combination of X-ray scattering with imaging allows us to map information about structures that are much smaller than the resolution of the imaging system over a large field of view. The fact that the used gratings typically are one-dimensional can be leveraged to obtain an orientation dependent dark-field signal in a technique called X-ray vector radiography (XVR). Applications of XVR include the determination of the fibre orientation in reinforced composite materials, or characterization of the anisotropic structure in trabecular bones. The goal of this project is to implement an experimental XVR setup at the Munich Compact Light Source (MuCLS - https://www.bioengineering.tum.de/en/central-building/munich-compact-light-source). The student will help with the design, implementation, and characterization of the X-ray grating interferometer setup, and conduct their own XVR experiments. Character of thesis work: experimental lab work/ controls/ data acquisition (50%) & computational/ simulation/image processing (50%) Basic experience in X-ray imaging, and/or Python programming are desirable. For more information, please contact: Dr. Florian Schaff (florian.schaff@tum.de), or Prof. Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de). Contact person Florian Schaff
AEP	In-situ Electrochemical Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectroscopy for Battery Systems	Bandarenka
Research group Physics of Energy Conversion and Storage Description In this project, EPR spectroscopy will be used in combination with cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy for the characterization of electrified solid/solid and solid/liquid interfaces. As most issues of the so-called all-solid-state Li-ion batteries originate from the solid electrolyte-lithium interface, the changes of bulk and thin lithium metal anodes will be investigated. Further, within a solid/liquid system, the EPR will be applied to study the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) mechanism on the Pt and/or Pd electrodes. The detection of paramagnetic intermediates by EPR in the electrolyte or at the surface of the catalyst will help to understand which intermediates are involved in the HER. The contact person is Dr. Elena Gubanova, e-mail: elena.gubanova@tum.de Contact person Elena Gubanova
KTA	LEGEND: Why does matter prevail over antimatter in today's Universe?	Schönert
Research group Experimental Astro-Particle Physics Description Neutrinos were discovered in 1956, but only at the turn of the millennium was it experimentally proven that the three known neutrino types can convert into one another. These flavor oscillations are possible only if neutrinos have nonzero mass, which is currently the only established contradiction to the standard model (SM) of particle physics. From tritium beta decay experiments and cosmological observations, we know that their masses are very small—less than 10^{-5} of the electron mass. Neutrinos are the only fundamental spin-1/2 particles (fermions) without electric charge. As a consequence, they might be Majorana fermions, particles identical to their antiparticles. This is a key ingredient for the explanation for why matter is so much more abundant than antimatter in today’s Universe and why neutrinos are so much lighter than the other elementary particles. Majorana neutrinos would lead to nuclear decays that violate lepton number conservation and are therefore forbidden in the Standard Model of particle physics. The so-called neutrinoless double-beta (0nbb) decay simultaneously transforms two neutrons inside a nucleus into two protons with the emission of two electrons. The LEGEND-200 experiment, currently under commissioning at the Italian Gran Sasso underground laboratory aims to be the first experiment to probe half-lives beyond 1E27 years. We offer the opportunity to carry out exciting experimental BSc (and MSc) theses with a focus on: - liquid argon detector development: SiPMs, VUV light detection and wavelength shifting, xenon-doping, trace analysis; - germanium detectors: detector design, modeling of signal generation, pulse shape analysis, surface event discrimination; - new software tools and algorithms: classical techniques, machine learning methods; - data analysis: rare line searches, exotic decays, time and spatial coincidence searches; - Monte Carlo simulations: light propagation and detection in liquid argon, gamma rays from radioactive decays, isotope production deep underground by cosmic rays; and, if interested, can participate in the operation of the main experiment at Gran Sasso. You would be fully integrated into the research team and would work closely together with our international partners. The theses can be carried out at the Chair for astroparticle physics of the Physics Department. Supervision at the Physics Deptartment by Prof. Schönert and his team. Please contact schoenert@ph.tum.de for further information. We will organize a dedicated meeting for interested bachelor students on Tuesday, February 1, 14:00-16:00. For more information please check https://www.moodle.tum.de/course/view.php?id=75320 . Also Master students are welcome to join.
AEP	Lightweight Organic Solar Cells as Alternative to Nuclear Batteries for Deep Space Power Generation	Müller-Buschbaum
Research group Functional Materials Description The exploration of the outer solar system so far relied heavily on the use of scarce, highly radioactive plutonium stockpiles for power generation, as traditional solar cells have a too low power-to-mass ratio in low light environments to be suitable for those missions. Latest advances in organic solar cells now open up the possibility of utilising them on lightweight foils as photovoltaic solar sails for efficient power generation in low solar irradiation conditions. We have just recently successfully demonstrated the first power generation of organic solar cells on a suborbital space-mission, featuring our in-house developed "Organic and Hybrid Solar Cells In Space" (OHSCIS) experiment. While this demonstration still employed a more traditional, non weight-optimised solar cell design for more typical earth-bound applications, your task will now be to further optimise the design and material selection to reduce the mass of our organic solar cells for our next upcoming space-mission. The solar cells you build will then take part in this mission and be launched into space.
AEP	Lithium-ion batteries with modified electrolyte for next generation batteries	Müller-Buschbaum
Research group Functional Materials Description Lithium-ion batteries are an indispensable energy supply in modern society. The ideal anode consists of lithium metal due to its high specific energy and low electrochemical potential. However, lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolyte are prone to form lithium dendrites, which can lead to failure or even explosion of the battery. Therefore, polymer electrolytes are an attractive alternative to bypass these obstacles. However, polymer electrolytes suffer from high contact resistances and low ionic conductivities, which requires an elevated operating temperature. In this project, a hybrid electrolyte based on liquid electrolyte modified with polymer will be prepared. Then, CR2032 coin cell batteries will be fabricated and tested with standard cycling procedures. Besides electrochemical characterization techniques, complementary measurement like real space imaging techniques (scanning electron microscopy, SEM) and reciprocal space techniques (small angle x-ray scattering, SAXS) can be performed. Overall, this master thesis project involves literature review, sample preparation and data analysis.
AEP	Low-temperature fabrication of titania films for hybrid solar cells on flexible substrates	Müller-Buschbaum
Research group Functional Materials Description Low-temperature (<150°C) route towards titania films offer promise for simple manufacturing, compatibility with flexible substrates, and titania-based solar cells. Herein, we use a specific titania precursor, ethylene glycol-modified titanate, to fabricate titania films as an electron-transporting layer. This experimental bachelor thesis aims at understanding the working principle of hybrid solar cells and the corresponding fabrication process. Different film characterization will be used such as SEM, GISAXS, XRD, UV-Vis, XPS, etc. The project will involve a literature review, sample preparation process, data analysis and result evaluation.
AEP	Masterarbeit: Optische Charakterisierung chiraler Perowskite (topic is not available any more)	Iglev
Research group Laser and X-Ray Physics Description Perowskite bilden eine Materialklasse, die in den letzten Jahren aufgrund ihrer herausragenden optoelektronischen Eigenschaften große Aufmerksamkeit gefunden hat. In einer Kooperation mit der Arbeitsgruppe von Prof. F. Deschler (U Heidelberg) untersuchen wir Chiralitätseffekte in geeigneten Perowskiten. In dieser überwiegend experimentellen Arbeit werden verschiedene Formen optischer Spektroskopie eingesetzt. Hierzu werden bereits etablierte Laseraufbauten im Rahmen der Arbeit weiterentwickelt. Insbesondere soll hier SHG-CD-Spektroskopie, (zeitaufgelöste) PL-Spektroskopie und ggf. zeitaufgelöste vis- und mIR-Spektroskopie genutzt werden. Kenntnisse in Halbleiter- und Materialphysik oder nichtlinearer Optik sind vorteilhaft, aber nicht zwingend. Gleichermaßen kann Erfahrung in der Spektroskopie oder in der Nutzung von Lasersystemen eingebracht werden. Für weitere Informationen kontaktieren Sie bitte Herrn PD Dr. Hristo Iglev (hristo.iglev@tum.de) oder Herrn Matthias Nuber (matthias.nuber@tum.de).
AEP	Microwave cryptography with propagating quantum tokens	Gross
Research group Technical Physics Description Quantum cryptography based on continuous-variables is a rapidly growing field of fundamental and applied research. It deals with various topics regarding fundamental limits on data communication & security. In particular, the microwave branch of quantum cryptography demonstrates a large potential for near term applications due to its natural frequency compatibility with the upcoming 5G and future 6G networks. In this context, we plan to investigate microwave photonic states, quantum tokens, which can be used for unconditionally secure storage and transfer of classical information. This security properties are provided by a peculiar combination of the quantum no-cloning theorem and vacuum squeezing phenomenon. The latter effect can be routinely achieved in the microwave regime with superconducting Josephson parametric amplifiers, which we plan to use for experimental generation & investigation of quantum token states. This master thesis will focus on developing numerical & experimental tools for the ongoing microwave quantum cryptography experiments. This includes programming various elements of FPGA data processing routines, performing cryogenic measurements with propagating microwaves, and analyzing measurement data for quantifying quantum correlations & unconditional security in propagating quantum token states. Contact person Kirill Fedorov
AEP	Near-infrared Quantum Dot Solar Cells for Space Application	Müller-Buschbaum
Research group Functional Materials Description We’re looking for a master student to join the next flight project of NIR CQDs solar cells to space. The general idea about this research topic and your major tasks in this project are introduced as follow. Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals with typical size of 2-10 nm. When the size of materials become very small in the range of nanometers, the optoelectronic properties or other properties are significantly different from their bulk counterparts. Notably, colloidal QDs’ unique advantages and properties have shown great promises as the light absorbers in solar cells, such as solution-processability and size tunability of bandgap, which enables the QD absorbers to harvest infrared low-energy photons of the solar spectrum beyond the absorption edge of silicon very efficiently. Therefore, as opposed to the costly and complicated fabrication process of conventional NIR solar cells, colloidal QDs based NIR solar cells have shown great promises. To date, great advances and improvements of the device performance, exceeding efficiencies of 10 % already, have been achieved by several fabrication strategies. In a previous experiment, we launched organic and perovskite solar cells to space for the first time ever and studied how these devices operate in the space environment. For the second space flight, we want to test the operation of NIR colloidal QD solar cells in orbital altitudes for the first time. Here, your master thesis starts. The first part of your project will be to learn how to fabricate NIR CQD solar cells and characterize them with different spectroscopic and morphologic analysis methods. You will find yourself in a team of motivated master students that are all working on the fabrication and optimization of their solar cell systems, where knowledge exchange and communication create a solid base for a productive and educational environment. Thus, you will learn a lot about solar cells and the principles behind many of their typical characterization methods. Based on your measurements of your solar cells, you will be guided to optimize the fabrication methods and solar cell layers to improve the device performance. The second part of this project will be to study your solar cells before and after their space flight to learn how the solar cells behave after experiencing extreme conditions during the rocket flight and exotic space environment. Your novel results will be worth publishing in a scientific journal, giving you the possibility to become a co-author in this future work. We’re looking forward to meeting you and telling you more about this project!
KTA	One-jettiness soft function at NNLO in QCD	Tancredi
Research group Theoretical Particle Physics Description Computation of QCD corrections to LHC cross-sections usually requires to understand the structure of infra-red divergences. These obstructions appear both in so-called virtual and real corrections and require dedicated methods (e.g. “slicing methods”) to handle them and obtain finite expressions for numerical simulations. Infra-red divergences can be shown to factorise universally and the goal of the project is to analytically compute one of the ingredients which enter these general factorisation formulas, the so-called one-jettiness soft function. This function describes the contributions of soft radiation to cross sections at hadron colliders for processes with one jet and is an important ingredient for the jettiness slicing method. Technically, the computation of the required integrals can be tackled using advanced multi-loop techniques such as integration-by-parts and the method of differential equations. Contact person Maximilian Delto
AEP	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 Menno Poot
AEP	Printed perovskite solar cells	Müller-Buschbaum
Research group Functional Materials Description Organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells have recently achieved 25.5% efficiency owing to their tunable bandgap, high carrier mobility and long diffusion length. Nevertheless, most of the solar cells were fabricated based on the spin-coating method, which suffers from waste of material and missing scalability. In this regard, the printing technique, a simple and scalable method, is advantageous to realize a future commercial application of perovskite solar cells. In this project, we aim to fabricate perovskite solar cells by printing and have an overall understanding of the growth mechanism of the perovskite film during printing. We use imaging techniques (e.g. electron microscopy) and methods for structure and morphology determination, e.g. X-ray scattering.
AEP	Printed polymer-based thin film batteries	Müller-Buschbaum
Research group Functional Materials Description Materials for high energy density, solid-state batteries have been tremendously explored in the last decade. In particular, lithium-ion technology has attracted major interest. Among the many different types of batteries, the so-called polymer-based thin film batteries are very attractive as they can be incorporated into thin film devices. An inherent important part of such thin film lithium ion batteries is the membrane and solid-state polymer electrolyte membranes have attracted high attention in this respect. Lithium ions’ incorporation into solid-state polymer electrolyte membranes had shown a significant effect on both, the structure and properties, of the membranes in either the bulk or film format. The morphological reorganization and the thermodynamic properties of the solid-state polymer electrolyte membrane upon adding lithium salts and small molecules are the subjects of the experimental investigation. The polymer membranes will be prepared with printing. The structure and crystallinity of the lithium-doped membranes at different temperatures will be investigated with small/wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS). The effects of morphology on the ionic conductivity of these ion-conducting membranes will be investigated using impedance spectroscopy. Aim of the present study is to increase conductivity with the help of small molecule additives, which can further improve the membrane morphology beyond the possibilities of the standard approach. Such high conductivity will be very beneficial for further downsizing of polymer-based thin film batteries.
AEP	Radioluminescence microscopy for organoid specimens	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description Radioluminescence microscopy (RLM) is a novel approach for high-resolution imaging of the radionuclide uptake in living cells, particularly in organoid systems. This project will focus on the development of an experimental setup, which allows imaging the radionuclide distribution with a few micro-meter resolution, using a scintillator-lens CCD system. This project will be carried out in collaboration with the department of nuclear medicine at the TUM university hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar. Character of thesis work: experimental (50%) / computational (50%) For more information, please contact: Martin Dierolf (martin.dierolf@tum.de), Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Martin Dierolf
AEP	Real-Time DEMS Investigation of Catalytic Processes	Schindler
Research group Chemical Physics Beyond Equilibrium Description Aim of this research project is a better understanding of the complexity of catalytic processes at respective electrode surfaces. This is of great importance, e.g., in fuel cell research and development as well as in CO2 reduction processes. The proposed project is intended to provide a much better correlation of the electrode potential and specifity of the electrode surface with reaction products, and the interference of competing electrochemical processes with each other at the same electrode potentials. DEMS is an abbreviation for Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectroscopy. This technique allows for the detection of reaction products in situ and in operando with a resolution of less than 10-15 mol/s. Contact person Werner Schindler
AEP	Remote entanglement of superconducting qubits	Gross
Research group Technical Physics Description Quantum computing represents a promising information processing paradigm exploiting quantum properties, such as superposition and entanglement. The latter entity is crucial for achieving quantum advantage in scalable quantum information processing with distributed quantum computers, including those built with superconducting qubits. Here, an important task is to study how quantum entanglement can be distributed between remote superconducting qubits. To this end, we plan to exploit propagating two-mode squeezed states as a carrier of quantum entanglement. We intend to analyze their interactions with remote superconducting quantum bits in theory & verify our findings in experiments. This master thesis will first focus on theory & numerical simulations of remote entanglement of superconducting qubits with propagating squeezed light. Later project stages may also include cryogenic experiments with superconducting transmon qubits & Josephson parametric amplifiers towards verifying novel concepts of remote entanglement. Contact person Kirill Fedorov
AEP	Smart nano-sensors made of stimuli-responsive polymers in solution and in thin films	Müller-Buschbaum
Research group Functional Materials Description Whereas macroscopic sensors made of stimuli-responsive hydrogels are well established, in the nanoworld such sensors still face many challenges. Potential fields of application of such sensors extend from engineering to bioengineering and medicine, e.g. as nanosensors for the control of concentration of glucose for diabetes patients or as switchable surface in the frame of tissue engineering. In this experimental project smart hydrogels, made of stimuli-responsive hydrogels will be investigated. Hydrogel films with thicknesses of a few tens to some hundreds of nanometers and spontaneously deswell or swell due to external stimuli, like temperature or the concentrations of ions. The changes in thickness and in molecular interactions in swelling or collapsing hydrogels will be probed during the switching process by different lab-based techniques. A comprehensive understanding of the switching process can be achieved by complementary neutron scattering experiments at large scale facilities. The project will involve a literature review, preparation of hydrogels, as well as experimental investigations and interpretations of the repeated switching of the stimuli-responsive hydrogels.
AEP	Spectral material decomposition with dual-energy, photon-counting X-ray detectors for industrial applications	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description Despite being meanwhile well established and broadly available in medical imaging applications, spectral material decomposition using photon-counting hybrid pixel detectors is presently still underused in industrial imaging tasks. The main goal of this project is therefore to translate the existing theoretical and experimental knowledge from photon-counting biomedical imaging applications to industrial inspection applications. The work includes numerical programming tasks, such as implementing and refining decomposition algorithms, and experimental tasks, such as taking several best practice measurement to classify different material separation applications for industrial end-users. This master thesis will be carried out in collaboration with an external industrial collaborator located in the Munich area. Character of thesis work: experimental physics (50%) & image processing (50%) For more information, please contact: Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Daniel Berthe
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.
AEP	Synthesis and self-assembly of gold nanoparticles for optoelectronic devices	Müller-Buschbaum
Research group Functional Materials Description Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) show peculiar optical and electrical properties compared with the macroscopic metal owing to the characteristic of a nanoscale. Recently many advantages were made in optoelectronic devices applications with broadening band and energy transfer. In this project, your work will focus on the Au NPs structure regulation, since the size, density, and morphology of the Au NPs will influence the crystallinity of the photoactive film and charge transportation of the device. Specifically, you can work on one of the following topics: a) Synthesis and investigate optical properties of different morphology of gold nanoparticles b) Self-assembly of monolayer Au NPs array for optoelectronic devices.
KTA	Untersuchung verschiedener Transient-Klassen mittels Fermi/GBM Daten (topic is not available any more)	Greiner
Research group Max-Planck-Institue for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) Description The recent detection of gravitational waves (GW) with the advanced LIGO/Virgo instruments in conjunction with a short gamma-ray burst (GRB) has surprised gamma-ray astronomers because of the substantially different properties of the GRB signal as compared to canonical GRBs. This motivates an "open-mind" search for untriggered transient events in the data stream of the gamma-ray burst monitor (GBM) on the Fermi satellite. With a previous Master thesis we have developed an automated search for gamma-ray transients in Fermi/GBM data. This thesis shall improve this new procedure, and establish a Python program for recognizing certain types of transient sources. The work also involves learning about different transient source types, and their X-ray and gamma-ray characteristics. The project includes elements from computational and observational high-energy astrophysics, and will allow for obtaining extensive knowledge on the broad class of high-energy transients. Some background in astrophysics is advantageous, but affinity with Python programming is a must. Contact: Jochen Greiner, jcg@mpe.mpg.de, MPE Room 1.3.13, Tel. 30000-3847

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