Regensburg University: New research breakthrough in quantum and nanotechnology!

Regensburg University: New research breakthrough in quantum and nanotechnology!

On July 10, 2025, an important exchange took place at the University of Regensburg. Prof. Dr. Markus Schwaiger, President of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences (BAdW), and Dr. Johannes Bernwieser, head of the academy's research and research documentation department, visited the university. University President Prof. Dr. Udo Hebel welcomed the guests and introduced the university in a short presentation.

Following the presentation, guests received a tour of the Regensburg Center for Ultrafast Nanoscopy (RUN). This tour included Prof. Dr. Udo Hebel also Prof. Dr. Rupert Huber and Prof. Dr. Markus Schwaiger present. The RUN plays a central role in education and research on ultra-high-resolution microscopy and the associated technological advances.

Research in the field of ultra-flat nanoscopy

The challenges facing scientists today require a profound understanding of matter at the atomic scale. Next generation technologies in high-speed electronics and quantum technology require knowledge of the movement of electrons on ultra-short time scales. Nature has evolved methods to collect light based on the ultra-surface quantum dynamic movements of electrons, atoms and molecules. This knowledge is crucial to better understand and visualize chemical reactions, as slow films of electronic orbitals and atomic structures can provide information about microscopic relationships.

The science and research team in Regensburg has made significant progress. It has developed the world's first microscopes capable of visualizing molecular movements in real time, with atomic spatial and femtosecond temporal resolution. These developments are considered crucial for fundamental and applied research and could lead the way for the next generation of quantum technologies.

Technical innovations and perspectives

The research group is characterized by extensive expertise in tracking dynamics in condensed matter on ultra-short time scales. Innovative microscopy techniques, such as light-wave scanning tunneling microscopy and ultrafast near-field microscopy, are used to track tunneling currents and analyze scattered near fields under metallic tips. These methods are crucial to understand and further explore the temporal evolution and behavior of materials at the nanoscale level.

The opening of the new research building in May 2024, which was celebrated with an international symposium and a science-music crossover concert, is evidence of the dynamic development of the RUN. The Minister of Science and Arts also attended the ceremony, underlining the importance of this institution and its research projects.

The insights gained from this research are not only important for basic research; they could also have far-reaching implications for the development of new materials and technologies that are crucial in the modern world. The collaboration funded by the University of Regensburg and the BAdW shows the potential for interdisciplinary approaches to address the challenges of the future.