Two new DFG research groups at FAU

One in astrophysics and another in photonics

The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding two new research groups at FAU – one in astrophysics and another in photonics. The DFG is setting up a total of nine research groups and one clinical research group that are set to receive a total of around 41 million euros in funding.

The following two groups will be set up at FAU:

Stars in the final stages

In July 2019, the eROSITA telescope was launched into space with a satellite to perform a high-resolution astronomical survey in the X-ray range. Members of the scientific consortium behind this mission now want to research the X-ray radiation of the final stages in the formation of stars, such as in neutron stars, black holes and the remnants of supernovae, in the research group called ‘eROSITA-Studien zu Endstadien der Sterne (eRO-STEP)’ (eROSITA studies of stellar endpoints). The long term aim is to gain a better understanding of large interstellar structures, interstellar shockwaves and particle acceleration. Prof. Dr. Manami Sasaki from the Dr. Karl Remeis Observatory at FAU ist the speaker of the research group.

Further information: Prof. Dr. Manami Sasaki, manami.sasaki@fau.de

How cracks are formed

Lasers are a widely used tool in manufacturing technology that enables contactless and highly-automated joining of workpieces. One of the greatest difficulties in this process is that solidification cracks can occur in the weld seam, which is the area where the workpieces are joined together, and these cracks have a negative effect on the quality of the join itself. The processes behind how and why these cracks form are not yet fully understood. The aim of the research group ‘Erstarrungsrisse beim Laserstrahlschweißen: Hochleistungsrechnen für Hochleistungsprozesse’ (Solidifcation cracks in laser beam welding: high-performance computing for high-performance processes) is to gain a better understanding of how cracks form and thus improve the quality of lasers as tools and ultimately improve the quality of components. Prof. Dr. Michael Schmidt from the Chair of Photonic Technologies at FAU is speaker of the research group.

Further information: Prof. Dr. Michael Schmidt, michael.schmidt@fau.de

About DFG research groups

DFG research groups enable researchers to focus on current and pressing questions in their field of research and to establish innovative areas of research. DFG is currently funding a total of 189 research groups, 15 clinical research groups and 17 research units.

Further information

DFG press release (in German)

FAU Press Office
Phone +49 9131 8570229
presse@fau.de