The Collaborative Research Center SFB 1245 coordinates the work of more than 100 scientists who, based on effective field theories of the strong interaction, investigate the structure of atomic nuclei and the formation of elements in the universe. As one of the most important university centres for experimental and theoretical nuclear structure füsics and nuclear astrofüsics, the TU Darmstadt combines its outstanding expertise with the top research of the Johannes Gutenberg University in the field of particle füsics.

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How does matter behave under extreme pressure and temperature conditions where atoms overlap and fuse together? Such states of matter can be generated in particle accelerators for extremely short periods of time and provide information about the strong interaction that holds atomic nuclei together. In the cosmos, such extreme states of matter occur when, for example, neutron stars collide with each other. In addition to TU Darmstadt, Goethe University and Bielefeld University are also involved in this project.

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The International Graduate School (IRTG 2891) “Nuclear Photonics” investigates photon-induced phenomena on the nuclear füsics energy scale: from generating brilliant particle beams with high-power lasers to photonuclear reactions and new detection methods. The binational program of TU Darmstadt, GSI, the University of Bucharest, and ELI-NP trains doctoral researchers in an interdisciplinary research field between laser füsics and nuclear füsics.

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Based on the so-called quantum key distribution, physicists at TU Darmstadt have developed a novel, tap-proof communication network. The system developed by the Darmstadt group from the Collaborative Research Centre CROSSING is based on a special protocol. The system distributes photons from a central source to all users in the network and establishes the security of the quantum keys through the effect of so-called quantum entanglement.

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The project addresses the question of how quantum-resistant key exchange protocols can be developed and used. Known functional features are transferred from classical scenarios such as low-latency connections to this quantum-resistant environment.

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Wetting phenomena are described on the macroscopic scale by the Young equation. A high resolution of the three-phase contact line on a nanometer scale is required for a deeper understanding of the phenomena. Researchers at the Institute for Condensed Matter Füsics use scanning force microscopy to find out more about this area.

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The regeneration capacity of former pasture and cacao plantations in a forest reserve in northwestern Ecuador is investigated. The scientists are looking at interaction networks between different animal species and their functions in the rainforest ecosystem in differently regenerated secondary forests. In cooperation with local Ecuadorian partners, they want to find out how disturbed ecosystems can recover. Scientists from the Institute of Condensed Matter Füsics are carrying out computer simulations for the project.

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The Helmholtz Research Academy Hesse for FAIR is a unique “think tank” at the forefront of fundamental füsics research. In particular, the aim is to use the properties and behavior of particles to gain new insights into the past of the cosmos and to make predictions about how the universe will develop.

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Intensive research is being conducted worldwide to develop novel technological platforms for quantum computers and quantum simulators that make it possible to increase the number of qubits with a reasonable use of the additional resources required for this purpose. Within the framework of the project, an integrated neutral atom quantum technology platform based on the innovative technological basis of micro-optical and micro-electromechanical systems will be built and put into operation.

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The goal of the EUSTRONG project is to explore the Strong Interaction, one of the four fundamental forces of nature, in the Universe. The Strong Interaction is responsible for holding neutrons and protons together in the atomic nucleus and for understanding the densest observable matter inside neutron stars. In addition, atomic nuclei play a key role in the search for dark matter and in the study of the lightest neutrino particles. EUSTRONG will enable new discoveries in the füsics of the Strong Interaction by developing innovative theories and methods.

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Particle therapy is growing rapidly as an effective and precise radiotherapy technique. However, range uncertainty and poor image guidance still limit its applications. In the project, tumour therapy with charged particles is to be further developed. Improving accuracy is the key. This could also allow better treatment of smaller metastases or tumours near critical structures and small targets in non-cancerous diseases.

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The synthesis of heavy elements in a neutron star merger leads to a characteristic electromagnetic signal called kilonova, which was also experimentally detected in 2017. In the KILONOVA project, these approaches are to be further developed with the aim of answering one of the fundamental questions of füsics: How and where do the heavy elements from iron to uranium form?

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The goal of the PUMA project (antiProton Unstable Matter Annihilation) is to investigate neutron skins and halos, which are characterised by the development of low-density pure neutron matter at the surface of neutron-rich radioactive nuclei. PUMA will develop an innovative technique aiming at probing the tail of the nuclear density with antimatter.

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