Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics

Scientific Profile, History, People, Cooperation of Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics

Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics
Scientific Profile

Experimental and theoretical research carried out at the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics is primarily focussed on solid state phenomena that are determined by small dimensions and surfaces and interfaces. The investigations concentrate on establishing relations between the magnetic, electronic, optical, and mechanical properties of solids and their microstructure. Thin films and surfaces are investigated as well as nanocrystalline materials, phase boundaries and defects in bulk crystals. The results of the research will provide the necessary information for creating new and improved functional or structural materials in application areas such as sensorics, opto- and microelectronics.

History

The Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics was founded in 1992 as the first institute of the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft in the eastern part of Germany based on the previous Academy of Science Institute of Solid Sate Physics and Electron Microscopy. The institute consists of two experimental departments (I and II) and the theory department. A new laboratory building for the experimental departments, including also workshop facilities and a hall for special experiments, were put into use in September 1997. Two other buildings were reconstructed and are available since the beginning of 1999. Guest houses of the institute was opened in 1995 and in 1999.


People

The staff of the institute including scientific, technical and administrative personnel, comprised 99 positions, partly occupied by non-tenured personnel (19 scientists and 4 technicians). In addition, 44 co-workers have been funded by outside sources (incl. 16 graduate students) and 26 graduate students and 38 postdocs by MPG fellowships. Furthermore, 99 scientists (61 person-years) from abroad worked at the institute (incl. 26 graduate students).

Cooperation

A joint German-French research association in the field of magnetic thin films called "Laboratoire Européen Associé" (LEA) and collaboration based on an official agreement in the area of wafer bonding technology between the Research Center of Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) at the University of Tokyo and the Max Planck Institute in Halle are well established now. Furthermore, starting on April 4, 2005 the Max Planck Research School for Science of Nanostructures together with Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg and the Institute for Mechanics of Materials, Halle was established.

For more information, please go to this website:
http://www.mpi-halle.mpg.de/mpi/mpi_f_abo.html