A team lead by scientists from the MPI CPfS developed a novel experimental method that provides direct images of excited states in a transition metal compound without the need for complex calculations. This constitutes a major step for the understanding of the electronic structure and the rich physics of these materials.  

Topological materials are characterised by unique electronic and physical properties that are determined by the underlying topology of their electronic systems. Scientists from the Max Planck Institutes for Microstructure Physics (Halle) and for Chemical Physics of Solids (Dresden) have now discovered that (TaSe₄)₂I is the first material in which a charge density wave induces a phase transition between the semimetal to insulator state.

For the period of 2020 to 2024, Dr. Gudrun Auffermann has been elected Equal Opportunity Commissioner and Renate Hempel-Weber (Physics of Quantum Materials) has been elected Deputy. We congratulate and wish all the best for the exercise of this important office.