Sputter facility for thin film deposition


Welcome to IFW Dresden

We explore the physics and chemistry of new materials. Our aim is to generate new fundamental knowledge and innovations. New materials are necessary to store information in a better way and to transmit it faster, to filter waves of specific frequency, to shield magnetic fields, to convert heat into electricity or to store energy. These processes take place at the level of molecules, atoms and electrons and are determined by the laws of quantum physics. At IFW Dresden, we investigate these physical laws and develop materials with better or completely new functions.

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Viele Hände unterschiedlicher Hautfarbe bilden einen Kreis um einen runden glänzenden Wafer.

19.05.2026

Diversity strengthens Research and Collaboration

IFW Dresden underscores its commitment to an open and appreciative institutional culture on German Diversity Day

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Kleine rot-blaue Stabmagnete sind regelmäßig angeordnet. Immer drei Enden müssen sich zusammenfinden. Das führt zu sogenannten frustrierten Magneten, denn sie können sich aufgrund der Anordnung nicht natürlich ausrichten.

18.05.2026

Science Meets the Pub

“Pint of Science” in Dresden: “Tangled Spins and Knotted Problems”: Axel Lubk about frustrated magnetism in materials research

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Two girls wearing white lab coats and blue protective gloves hold a prepared sample holder towards the camera.

24.04.2026

Girls’Day 2026 at IFW Dresden

Insights, experiments, and lots of curiosity – students explore the world of materials.

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IFW Institutes

Materialchemie

Institute for Materials Chemistry

Prof. Dr. Anjana Devi

The IMC does research on chemistry of functional materials with focus on nanoscale and 2D materials, structural analysis and alloy design and processing.

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Metallische Werkstoffe

Institute for Metallic Materials

Prof. Dr. Kornelius Nielsch

Thermoelectric, magnetic and superconducting materials, functional thin films, metal physics

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Neuartige Elektronik-Technologien

Institute for Emerging Electronic Technologies

Prof. Dr. Yana Vaynzof

Emerging semiconductor materials, integration into novel optoelectronic devices, sustainable photovoltaic devices

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Festkörperforschung

Institute for Solid State Research

Prof. Dr. Bernd Büchner

Material-oriented experimental solid state physics with a special focus on quantum materials and nanoscale substances.

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Theoretische Festkörperphysik

Institute for Theoretical Solid State Physics

Prof. Dr. Jeroen van den Brink

Theoretical aspects of condensed matter physics and materials science.

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Information for you

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Research

Five IFW institutes combine their experience in our research program. Are you looking for latest publications or searching for a certain topic or group? Here you find further information.   

Research at IFW
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Offers for visitors

We offer guided labtours for registered visitors in small groups. Our target group are high schoool students keen on physic, chemistry and engineering.  

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Career & Training

You want to work at the IFW Dresden? Here you can find our current job offers, vocational trainings and the PhD positions.

Job offers
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People

About 500 people work at IFW. You want to know whom to adress? Here you find a list of contact persons.

Contact persons