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

2024-01-19 | 16:15: Information on Research Phase, Master's Thesis, and End of Studies in the Master’s Programs Physics: Informationen zur Forschungsphase in den Physik-Masterstudiengängen (auf Deutsch) Speaker: Dr. Martin Saß , Location: James-Franck-Str. 1James-Franck-Str. 1
2024-01-26 | 16:15: Information on Research Phase, Master's Thesis, and End of Studies in the Master’s Programs Physics: Information about the research phase in the Physics Master's (in English) Speaker: Dr. Martin Saß , Location: James-Franck-Str. 1James-Franck-Str. 1

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	AI in Physics: Convolutional neural networks for dark-field X-ray CT reconstruction	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description Grating-based X-ray dark-field 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: mainly computational physics & image processing 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	A satellite for sodium spectroscopy in the mesosphere	Fierlinger
Research group Precision Measurements at Extreme Conditions Description We are looking for a master thesis student to build the science module for a pico-satellite at a 450 km orbit, to map the magnetic field of the earth at 92 km altitude in the mesosphere through laser spectroscopy of sodium atoms. Large telescopes use laser beams at the sodium wavelength pointing into the sky to generate a bright dot, an artificial star, in the mesosphere through fluorescence of sodium atoms. This dot is used to correct for atmospheric fluctuations to improve imaging. Our project uses this knowledge, but for a different purpose: we mount the laser on a satellite and point downwards to the earth. When the light hits the mesosphere, a bright spot is generated. If the light is modulated at the electron spin resonance frequency corresponding to the magnitude of the earth field, this is a direct measure of the magnitude of the earth’s magnetic field. The thesis work will be the test of the laser system in the lab, generating fluorescence, detecting the fluorescent light with a silicon photomultiplier and prepare components for a space exposure test at the international space station. Here you will learn atomic and particle physics techniques and applications. If you always wanted to build your own satellite and learn how satellite technology works, contact Florian Kuchler (florian.kuchler@tum.de)
KM	Aufbau eines Dreifach-Kühlfingers zur Gammaspektroskopie mittels hochreiner Germaniumdetektoren	Hugenschmidt
Research group Neutron Scattering Description Hochreine Germaniumdetektoren werden bei Flüssigstickstofftemperatur betrieben, um die für Gammaspektroskopie benötigte extrem hohe Energieauflösung zu erreichen. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit soll ein Dreifach-Kühlfinger konstruiert, aufgebaut und hinsichtlich seiner Kühleigenschaften charakterisiert werden. Hierbei soll das Augenmerk auf Temperaturgradienten, Kühl- und Standzeiten gelegt werden, um schließlich einen Dreier-Cluster von Germaniumdetektoren effizient kühlen zu können. Zunächst sollen hierzu Simulationen zur Temperaturverteilung durchgeführt werden, die am schließlich realisierten Aufbau über Messungen verifiziert werden sollen. Schließlich soll die Energieauflösung der Detektoren anhand von aufgenommenen Gammaspektren an einer Referenzprobe gemessen werden. Das Projekt wird in der TUM Forschungsgruppe Physik mit Positronen durchgeführt.
KM	Berechnung der Elektron-Positron-Impulsverteilung an Gitterfehlern (ABINIT)	Hugenschmidt
Research group Neutron Scattering Description The characterization of lattice defects with respect to their chemical environment is of outmost interest in condensed matter physics and materials science. In coincidence Doppler-broadening spectroscopy (CDBS), both annihilation quanta are detected simultaneously with two high-purity germanium detectors. The resulting background suppression enables the detection of large momenta of core electrons (large Doppler-shifts) in the outer wings of the 511 keV annihilation line. Therefore, CDBS is applied to identify the elements at the annihilation site and hence enables the detection of, e.g., foreign atom-vacancy complexes or precipitates in alloys. Within this thesis CDBS spectra resulting from positron annihilation in point defects will be calculated by using the open-source code ABINIT. This program is based on density functional theory (DFT) and allows the computation of electron and positron densities as well as wave functions in the solid. The calculated positron lifetimes and positron-electron momentum distributions are compared with experimental results. The project is carried out within the TUM research group Physics with Positrons.
KTA	Building up an electrostatic particle storage ring for fundamental research	Fierlinger
Research group Precision Measurements at Extreme Conditions Description At our lab we are currently building an electrostatic particle storage ring, initially for a dark matter search (https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.08439.pdf). During this year, we are setting up the hardware for the first stage: a 30 kV barium ion source and the whole experimental hardware of the ring with 2 m side length, here in the lab at our chair in Garching. This includes a vacuum system, electrodes for keeping particles on their trajectories and means for monitoring the particle beam. To perform a dark matter search, we polarize the Ba+ with lasers and lock the electron spin precession to the cyclotron frequency of the beam, effectively forming a crazy magnetic field sensor. Dark matter or other exotic physics would modulate the precession, and we can observe this via laser spectroscopy. If you are interested in this project, it’s a great time to join the project: all parts are coming in right now, and there is a lot of different physics to learn and work on. During the course of the thesis, the experiment should be assembled and tested with first particles in the ring. Depending on the interests, the work can be more focused on practical aspects or simulations of the details of the ring. Please contact Chiara Brandenstein (chiara.brandenstein@tum.de) if you are interested!
KM	Computational fast screening of core-shell nanoparticles for oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells	Bandarenka
Research group Physics of Energy Conversion and Storage Description Electrocatalysis technologies, including PEM fuel cells, can help to shape a sustainable energy future in which PEM fuel cells provide versatile stationary and portable power solutions. However, one key factor limiting their widespread commercialization are high costs for large platinum (Pt) loadings, which are required to catalyze the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the fuel cell cathode. Thus, enhancing the catalyst activity with respect to the Pt mass is of great interest. In this MSc work, we capitalize on data-driven design to propose new Pt catalysts with enhanced mass activities toward the ORR. We link experimental data with results from density functional theory (DFT) on Pt-based ORR catalysts to build a computational model which predicts mass activities. The thesis will focus on generalizing a developed method based on generalized coordination numbers for high-throughput screenings to tailor electrocatalyst shapes and sizes toward optimized mass activities. In particular, we want to explore core-shell nanoparticles. In core-shell nanoparticles, the catalysis is driven on active Pt shells, but cheaper and more abundant metals at the core limit the precious Pt loading. Contact: Prof. Alessio Gagliardi alessio.gagliardi@tum.de or Prof. Aliaksandr Bandarenka bandarenka@ph.tum.de References [1] M. Rueck, A. Bandarenka, F. Calle-Vallejo, A. Gagliardi, “Oxygen Reduction Reaction: Rapid Prediction of Mass Activity of Unstrained Nanostructured Platinum Electrocatalysts,” J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 2018, 9 (15), 4463-4468. DOI:10.1021/acs.jpclett.8b01864. [2] B. Garlyyev(1), K. Kratzl(1), M. R¨uck(1), J. Michalicka, J. Fichtner, J. Macak, T. Kratky, S. Guenther, M. Cokoja, A.S. Bandarenka, A. Gagliardi, R.A. Fischer, “Optimizing the Size of Platinum Nanoparticles for Enhanced Oxygen Electro-Reduction Mass Activity,” Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2019, 58 (28), 9596-9600. DOI:10.1002/anie.201904492 [3] M. Rueck, A. Bandarenka, F. Calle-Vallejo, A. Gagliardi, “Fast Identification of Optimal Pure Platinum Nanoparticle Shapes and Sizes for Efficient Oxygen Electroreduction,” Nanoscale Adv., 2019, 1 (8), 2901–2909. DOI:10.1039/c9na00252a [4] M. Rueck, B. Garlyyev, F. Mayr, A.S. Bandarenka, A. Gagliardi, “Oxygen Reduction Activities of Strained Platinum Core–Shell Electrocatalysts Predicted by Machine Learning,” J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 2020, 11 (5), 1773-1780. DOI:10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c00214 Contact person Aliaksandr Bandarenka
AEP	Dark-field Chest X-ray Imaging: Advanced image processing for clinical applications	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description Dark-field radiography exploits the scattering of X-rays to visualize structures below the resolution limit. Currently, several initial clinical patient studies are underway on a worldwide first prototype we recently realized at Klinikum rechts der Isar. Within the framework of this project, the special algorithms for image post-processing of these first clinical data will be further optimized and used together with the participating radiologists for the evaluation of better direction of lung diseases. Character of thesis work: mainly computational physics & image processing For more information, please contact: Rafael Schick (rafael.schick@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de). Contact person Rafael Christian Schick
AEP	Dark-field Chest X-ray Imaging: Development of registration algorithms for the analysis of functional lung images	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description Dark-field radiography exploits the scattering of X-rays to reveal structures in lung tissue that cannot be visualized with conventional imaging. Currently, several initial clinical patient studies are underway on a worldwide first prototype we recently realized at Klinikum rechts der Isar. Within the scope of this project, special registration algorithms are to be developed that can register thorax images in inhalation and exhalation and allow local differences between ventilation states (for example in certain lung diseases). Character of thesis work: mainly computational physics & image processing For more information, please contact: Rafael Schick (rafael.schick@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de). Contact person Rafael Christian Schick
AEP	Dark-field Chest X-ray Imaging: Monte Carlo based simulation of Compton scattering	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description Dark-field radiography is a novel X-ray imaging technique that is being tested for the first time in clinical patient studies on a worldwide first prototype recently completed by us at the TUM Klinikum rechts der Isar. Within the scope of this project, Monte Carlo based Compton simulations will be developed, which will allow an exact modelling of the Compton scattering and thus a better correction of the image artifacts. Character of thesis work: experimental physics (50%) & computational physics (50%). For more information, please contact: Henriette Bast (henriette.bast@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de). Contact person Henriette Bast
AEP	Dark-field X-ray microCT: Pre-clinical research on improved lung disease detection	Pfeiffer
Research group Biomedical Physics Description Dark-field computed tomography uses the wave property of X-rays to provide complementary contrasts in X-ray imaging. In this project, an existing prototype for dark-field CT in mice will be used to explore the use of dark-field contrast in pre-clinical research for improved detection of lung diseases in collaboration with the Helmholtz Center for Health. In addition to experimental work to support the conduct of the preclinical studies, algorithmic research to reduce image noise and dose is planned. Character of thesis work: experimental medical physics (60%) & image processing (40%). For more information, please contact: Benedikt Guenther (benedikt.guenther@mytum.de), Simon Zandarco (simon.zandarco@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de). Contact person Benedikt Günther Simon Zandarco
KTA	Dark Photon Search with an Array of Atomic Magnetometers	Fierlinger
Research group Precision Measurements at Extreme Conditions Description Atomic magnetometers use non-linear effects in laser-driven electron-spin-resonance in Alkali atoms. Such sensors can measure Femto-Tesla level magnetic fields and have a variety of applications in fundamental physics as well as in applications, for example remote sensing or medicine. In this project we will set up an array of atomic magnetometers, record the ambient magnetic field and analyze it for spurious effects. As the availability of robust and reliable sensors at this quality is rather new, a yet unexplored parameter region for new physics can be investigated in this way. We are in particular interested in ultra-light axion-like dark matter and dark photons. To be sensitive for such this type of new physics, sensors ultimately need to be placed at a remote and electromagnetically silent location. While some of the sensors are already operational, the experimental work will contain reliable operation of several sensors, as well as developing a mechanism to relate the individual channels e.g. by applying artificial reference signals. In contrast to laboratory experiments with individual sensors, here the interesting aspect is the analysis of an array of sensors placed in the ambient earth magnetic field, with correlations between sensors, directional information and new possibilities for background suppression and signal identification, e.g. using independent component analysis. We expect to find new challenges in the analysis, but also a much larger amount of information. The data will be fun to interpret, as almost everything is magnetic at the Femto-Tesla scale! Please contact Peter Fierlinger (peter.fierlinger@tum.de) or Florian Kuchler (florian.kuchler@tum.de) if you are interested.
KTA	Datenanalyseverfahren für kontrastreiche Imaging auf astrophysikalischen Daten des SPHERE-Instruments, in Imaging und Polarimetrie (topic is not available any more)	Eisenhauer
Research group Max-Planck-Institue for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) Contact person Frank Eisenhauer
KTA	Elektron-Magnetspektrometer zur Detektor-Charakterisierung	Märkisch
Research group Particle Physics at Low Energies Description Precision spectroscopy of electrons from neutron decay allows to determine Standard-Model parameters like the CKM quark-mixing matrix element V_ud and to search for physics beyond the Standard Model like scalar and tensor interactions. At the intense neutron source FRM II we currently take the spectrometer PERC into operation. In order to characterise and optimise the detector systems in the lab, a magnetic spectrometer will serve as a source of (nearly) mono-energetic electrons. Within this project the existing apparatus will be taken into operation and optimised to measure the response of scintillation detectors with a SiPM readout, as well as silicon detector systems. Contact person Karina Bernert
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.
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	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	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	Implementation of region-of-interest mode in diffraction computed tomography	Petry
Research group Functional Materials Description Implementation of region-of-interest mode in diffraction computed tomography Since its development, X-ray tomography became a non-alternative tool for fast and non-destructive characterisation of different objects providing an in-depth resolved information from the interior of materials, devices and living organisms. Besides the overall popularity and the widley use of the method it suffers heavily from contrast limitation issues, which are directly related to the underlying properties of X-ray attenuation. One of the approaches to enhance the sensitivity of the method (at least in the field of solid-state applications) is the utilization of a diffraction-based input signal instead/together with the absorption-based signal information. X-ray diffraction radiography – a scanning technique taking XRD pattern at each scanning position\pixel (and tomography, as its logical continuation) is a relatively new method for sample characterisation, which requires requiring a large amount of diffraction data as input. However, it is capable to provide unique information about the organisation and composition of the studied objects. The size of diffraction data in a XRD-CT dataset is one of the limiting factors for the resolution of the measurement, i.e. for larger samples. A possible solution for this would be a limitation to certain region-of-interest within the objects volume. Thus, the aim of the proposed thesis is the validation of available approaches for reconstruction of XRD-CT data in the region-of-interest mode and its application for non-destructive studies of cylindrical Li-ion batteries. Common supervision is foreseen with Dr. Anatoliy Senyshyn, diffraction group leader at MLZ. Contact person Anatoliy Senyshyn
KM	Lateral angular momentum transport by phonons	Gross
Research group Technical Physics Description In a solid-state system, spin angular momentum is mediated by various (quasi-)particles. Among these excitations are phonons, which can carry angular momentum over mm distances. Most importantly, exchange of spin angular momentum from these crystal lattice vibrations to excitations of the magnetic lattice is possible via magneto-elastic coupling effects. This unlocks novel means for coherent and incoherent spin transport concepts without moving charges. Your thesis will be dedicated in assessing the realization of incoherent angular momentum transfer in nanostructured systems. In your thesis you will work on an all-electrical injection and detection scheme to access incoherent angular momentum transfer. You will use state-of-the-art nanofabrication techniques using electron beam lithography and thin film deposition machines for the realization of magnon-phonon hybrid devices. You will also gain experience in cryogenic magnetotransport techniques. You will develop automated evaluation tools and work on modelling the observed phenomena. Contact person Matthias Althammer Hans-Gregor Hübl Stephan Geprägs
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.
KM	Magnon transport in laterally confined magnetic 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 electronic spin transport in semiconductors and the properties can be mapped onto a magnonic pseudospin. At present, most experiments rely on extended epitaxial thin films of antiferromagnetic insulators. Your thesis will be dedicated to confine the lateral dimensions of the magnon transport channel. By conducting all-electrical magnon transport experiments, you will then determine the role of lateral confinement in such measurement schemes. You are interested in providing novel insights into pseudospin properties in antiferromagnetic insulators and provide a spark for theoretical descriptions. 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 at high magnetic fields in a cryogenic environment. Contact person Matthias Althammer Matthias Opel Hans-Gregor Hübl Stephan Geprägs
KM	Messung der Zeit-Impuls-Korrelation von Positronen in Materie (AMOC) (topic is not available any more)	Hugenschmidt
Research group Neutron Scattering Description The positron is a well-established probe to perform defect sensitive spectroscopy on all kind of materials. Typically, one can measure either the lifetime of the positron or the Doppler shift of the annihilation gamma quanta. Both methods give different insights into the concentration, distribution and size of lattice defects in the material. However, it is also possible to record both the energy shift and the time delay of the annihilation radiation simultaneously. The Age-Momentum Correlation (AMOC) technique combines gamma detection with high energy resolution and high time resolution in order to measure the correlation between positron lifetime and momentum. The thesis comprises the construction of a laboratory AMOC setup including the readout system for the detectors and data treatment. Finally, the setup will be benchmarked using an assortment of reference samples and metal alloys. The project is carried out within the TUM research group Physics with Positrons.
AEP	Near-infrared Quantum Dot Solar Cells for Space Application (topic is not available any more)	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	Optical Atomic Magnetometer	Fierlinger
Research group Precision Measurements at Extreme Conditions Description Our group is actively developing optical atomic magnetometers, a type of sensors using light-atom interactions to detect magnetic fields.This approach, sitting on the junction of laser-optics, quantum-optics and atom-physics, offer a wide range of possibilities for undergraduate and graduate students, from theoretical approaches to practical experiments. Possible thesis projects are: the Characterization of a non-magnetic Optical Atomic Magnetometer Array at the panEDM Experiment (at ILL), the Development of a non-magnetic Free Space Cesium Magnetometer, the Development of an Optical Earth Field Cesium Magnetometer, the Characterisation and Improvement of Cesium Vapor Cells and Upgrading and Characterisation of a Magnetically Shielded Test Chamber for Magnetometers. Students can learn a variety of skills, such as handling laser optics and different measurement systems, designing sensors, or developing operating and analysis software. If you are interested or want to learn more on this topic - feel free to contact philipp.roessner@tum.de! Contact person Philipp Rößner
AEP	Optically controlled automatic sample positioning system for scattering/diffraction applications: conceptualisation and development	Petry
Research group Functional Materials Description Accurate, controllable and reproducible sample positioning is necessary for a variety of experimental techniques utilizing laser, X-rays, electron beams and/or neutrons. For the diffractometers at the FRM II neutron source a fully automatic sample positioning system is required, which, in conjunction with a robotic sample changer, will be the base for an automatized experimental pipeline. The mechanical core of the system will be a stepper motor driven goniometer head from Huber, possessing five degrees of freedom. The movement, detection and control will proceed by a silhouette detection system based on telecentric optics. The tasks of the proposed thesis will include: conceptualisation and building up of telecentric optical control system, the optimisation of data readout, the development of fully automatic alignment algorithm, the integration of the components into NICOS system (Python driven) and the validation of the system in real measurements with neutron scattering and/or synchrotron radiation. Common supervision is foreseen with Dr. Anatoliy Senyshyn, diffraction group leader at MLZ. Contact person Anatoliy Senyshyn
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	Quantification of local aging behaviour in lithium-ion batteries	Petry
Research group Functional Materials Description Quantification of local aging behaviour in lithium-ion batteries Lithium-ion batteries are nowadays the primary energy storage system in electric driven vehicles and portable electronic devices. Thus, a continuous improvement of lithium-ion batteries is mandatory to meet the increasing energy demand on the market. One of the main branches of today’s research deals with the minimization of aging effects occurring in lithium-ion batteries and taking place during cell operation. In the proposed project, the state-of-health at different areas of a working electrode in real lithium-ion batteries will be determined in order to create a 2D “map” of the state of fatigue distribution. Thus, commercially available lithium-ion batteries will be electrochemically cycled and disassembled in order to harvest the electrode materials. Fragments of the extracted electrodes collected at various positions over the electrode sheets will be analysed as coin cells with various characterization techniques, such as impedance spectroscopy, cycling voltammetry and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique. The project will be completed with X-ray diffraction measurements of the collected electrodes. Common supervision is foreseen with Dr. Anatoliy Senyshyn, diffraction group leader at MLZ. Contact person Anatoliy Senyshyn
KM	Simulation der Positronendiffusion bei angelegten elektrischen Feldern zur Bestimmung der Leestellenkonzentration in Festkörpern (LIMPID)	Hugenschmidt
Research group Neutron Scattering Description Positronen können je nach Implantationstiefe im Festkörper zurück an die Oberfläche diffundieren, bevor sie annihilieren. Das resultierende Gammaspektrum – insbesondere die Form der 511 keV Annihilationslinie – ändert sich mit dem Anteil der Positronen die an der Oberfläche annihilieren. Eine Simulation der tiefenaufgelösten Diffusion erlaubt es uns, die Leerstellenkonzentration in der Probe aus bei unterschiedlichen Implantationstiefen gemessenen Daten zu bestimmen. Hauptziel der Masterarbeit ist es, den von uns entwickelten Algorithmus zur numerischen Lösung der Diffusionsgleichung in Python zu erweitern, um zusätzliche Effekte, wie variable Defektverteilungen oder elektrische Felder im Inneren der Probe zu berücksichtigen. Das Projekt wird in der TUM Forschungsgruppe Physik mit Positronen durchgeführt.
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.
KM	Spinabhängige Prozesse in der Photokatalyse (topic is not available any more)	Brandt
Research group Experimental Semiconductor Physics Contact person David Vogl
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.
AEP	Top-down approach for the synthesis of shape controlled nanoparticles	Bandarenka
Research group Physics of Energy Conversion and Storage Description The thesis focuses on the facile synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) by electrochemical erosion of different materials. NP can be immobilized on a support for applications in electro- and heterogeneous catalysis. Our unique approach involves applying an alternating voltage to a metal substrate placed in an electrolyte. The “green” method uses no further chemicals and allows controlling shape and size of the NPs adjusting parameters such as applied potential, frequency and electrolyte composition. Different characterization techniques such as TGA, XPS, XRD, SEM etc. will be used for the investigation of prepared materials and performance tests will be conducted. The contact persons are Dr. Elena Gubanova (elena.gubanova@tum.de) and Christian Schott (christian.schott@tum.de). Contact person Christian Schott
KTA	Two-loop Feynman integrals for single top production at NNLO	Tancredi
Research group Theoretical Particle Physics Description Providing higher order QCD corrections to the hadronic production of top quarks at the LHC is an important step towards obtaining a more detailed understanding of electroweak symmetry breaking, due to the fact that top quarks receive their mass through interactions with the Higgs background field. Single top production is one of the most prominent top quark production channels at the LHC, with the t-channel process, which involves the production of a single top quark mediated by an exchange of a W boson, accounting for 70% of all single top quarks produced at LHC collisions. Recently, NNLO corrections to the so-called non-factorisable contributions to the single top t-channel were computed. The calculation was performed by calculating all the relevant 2-loop Feynman integrals numerically. It will be the aim of this project to provide an efficient analytic representation of these integrals in terms of special functions (e.g. multiple polylogarithms), by employing modern methods of multiloop calculations such as integration-by-part identities, canonical differential equations and the study of the relevant special functions. Contact person Nikolaos Syrrakos
BIO	Untersuchung der Flexibilität von Amyloidstrukturen mit MD-Simulationen	Zacharias
Research group Molecular Dynamics Description Amyloid structures can form by aggregation of misfolded protein molecules or peptides. These aggregates are involved in several diseases. The various amyloid structures differ in the conformational flexibility and stability. Very flexibile amyloid structures are more likely to disaggregate and can be recognized and eliminated by proteases and immune molecules. Aim of the BSc thesis is to investigate the conformational flexibility and dynamics of different amyloid structures using computer simulations and to understand the physical origin of the dynamics of amyloid structures.
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