In this FAU LMQ People Spotlight, we interviewed our member Philipp Hansmann, who leads the molecular materials group at the Friedrich-Alexander-University since 2020.
What is your research topic?
Quantum many-body systems as realized in molecules and solids. I am especially interested in systems/materials where effective single-particle approximations (like Hartree-Fock or DFT) break down. Our projects include development of new methods (recently with a machine learning focus) as well as material realistic simulations.
How is your research linked to the research foci of the FAU LMQ?
My group will bring expertise in strongly correlated electron systems to the LMQ. Joining the LMQ consortium offers an exciting opportunity to expand our work toward light-matter coupling, building on our quantum many-body theory background and developing new synergies with experts in photonics and quantum optics.
Why exactly this topic/these topics?
Correlated electron systems exhibit some of the most fascinating and fundamental phenomena in condensed matter physics, from high-temperature superconductivity to exotic magnetic states. Understanding these effects not only help to understand quantum materials better from a fundamental point of view, but also holds potential for future technologies, especially when combined with emerging fields like light–matter interaction.
Who in the Profile Center do you hope to collaborate with in the future?
While I am looking forward to work with fellow theorists on development of new advanced computational and machine learning methods, I am particularly excited to build collaborations with experimental groups to work on real materials and light-induced phenomena in correlated systems. Collaborations with chemists on molecular quantum systems, and bridging methods from solid-state and quantum chemistry are also high on my priority-list.
When I am not working as a scientist, then …
I like to bike/hike/travel.
Do you have a secret talent?
I know how to correctly pronounce the name of the Icelandic volcano “Eyjafjallajökull”.
What does a typical day in your working life look like?
All days start with coffee … Fortunately, that’s the only routine part, as no two days are ever the same. I make it a priority to keep large time slots in my calendar for discussions with my students about their research projects. During the semester, teaching plays a major role, and I spend considerable time preparing lectures. Writing reports on theses, reviewing journal articles, and drafting research grant applications make up the final major part of my workday.
Where do you see the FAU LMQ in 5 or 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I see the FAU LMQ as a strong interdisciplinary center that connects fundamental research in quantum materials, light–matter interaction, and solid state with molecular systems. I also hope it will serve as a vibrant network for educating students in quantum technologies.
In this FAU LMQ People Spotlight, we interviewed our member Philipp Hansmann, who leads the molecular materials group at the Friedrich-Alexander-University since 2020.
What is your research topic?
Quantum many-body systems as realized in molecules and solids. I am especially interested in systems/materials where effective single-particle approximations (like Hartree-Fock or DFT) break down. Our projects include development of new methods (recently with a machine learning focus) as well as material realistic simulations.
How is your research linked to the research foci of the FAU LMQ?
My group will bring expertise in strongly correlated electron systems to the LMQ. Joining the LMQ consortium offers an exciting opportunity to expand our work toward light-matter coupling, building on our quantum many-body theory background and developing new synergies with experts in photonics and quantum optics.
Why exactly this topic/these topics?
Correlated electron systems exhibit some of the most fascinating and fundamental phenomena in condensed matter physics, from high-temperature superconductivity to exotic magnetic states. Understanding these effects not only help to understand quantum materials better from a fundamental point of view, but also holds potential for future technologies, especially when combined with emerging fields like light–matter interaction.
Who in the Profile Center do you hope to collaborate with in the future?
While I am looking forward to work with fellow theorists on development of new advanced computational and machine learning methods, I am particularly excited to build collaborations with experimental groups to work on real materials and light-induced phenomena in correlated systems. Collaborations with chemists on molecular quantum systems, and bridging methods from solid-state and quantum chemistry are also high on my priority-list.
When I am not working as a scientist, then …
I like to bike/hike/travel.
Do you have a secret talent?
I know how to correctly pronounce the name of the Icelandic volcano “Eyjafjallajökull”.
What does a typical day in your working life look like?
All days start with coffee … Fortunately, that’s the only routine part, as no two days are ever the same. I make it a priority to keep large time slots in my calendar for discussions with my students about their research projects. During the semester, teaching plays a major role, and I spend considerable time preparing lectures. Writing reports on theses, reviewing journal articles, and drafting research grant applications make up the final major part of my workday.
Where do you see the FAU LMQ in 5 or 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I see the FAU LMQ as a strong interdisciplinary center that connects fundamental research in quantum materials, light–matter interaction, and solid state with molecular systems. I also hope it will serve as a vibrant network for educating students in quantum technologies.