Programme A : Photon Science (only at Hamburg)

• Students join photon science groups at DESY engaged in fundamental and applied research in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry, crystallography, material science and geological science. Some of the students will work in the frame of the European XFEL project. The work includes participation in activities like preparation and realisation of measurements, evaluation of measured data and technical improvements of instrumentation.

• A1. Solid-state physics and nanoscience:
  Students will get hands-on experience in a range of topics from the preparation of well-defined, ultra-clean surfaces, the growth of nanostructures by molecular beam epitaxy and sputtering as well as approaches for the characterisation of such structures by combining surface-sensitive X-ray diffraction with standard surface analytical tools such as scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In more theoretical projects an introduction to diffraction data analysis concepts is offered.
• A2. Molecular sciences:
  Students join groups performing research in chemistry, biology and physics aiming at unraveling the structure-function relationship of molecular sciences. Experiments include the imaging of molecular structure and dynamics of systems ranging from small molecules over nano-objects to biological macromolecules, viruses or cells. These experiments push limits of spatial and temporal resolution using novel X-ray, electron or ultrashort laser-pulse sources. Projects include sample preparation, imaging experiments and data analysis.
• A3. Soft-matter sciences:
  Students learn about methods to investigate the structure and dynamics of systems such as complex liquids and glasses such as small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) using coherent X-ray beams, X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) and X-ray cross-correlation analysis (XCCA). In addition, they synthesise colloidal samples in our chemistry lab. Hands-on experiments using laser scattering set-ups on self-synthesised colloidal systems and analysing and interpreting the obtained data allows both to train their programming skills as well as critical discussion of experimental results.
• A4. Development of experimental techniques:
  Students join groups developing new experimental techniques, including diffraction and scattering, spectroscopy and imaging. The unique capabilities of X-rays as a probe allows the investigation of a specimen inside special sample environments such as chemical reactors or pressure cells. Topics include ultrafast, time-resolved or in-situ diffraction and scattering techniques, imaging and microscopy with coherent X-rays, tomography, X-ray optics and nanofocusing, scanning microscopy and microspectroscopy.
• A5. Lasers and optics:
  Students join groups developing laser sources, measurement and diagnostics techniques and their applications. Topics cover a wide field including ultrafast lasers, high power and high energy lasers, free-electron laser (FEL) seeding, strong field optical sub-cycle pulse synthesis, frequency combs and phase-stable laser sources, laser spectroscopy, strong-field THz pulse studies, X-ray pulse diagnostics, high-order harmonic generation and attosecond science and ultrafast nano-optics. Projects include handling of laser optics, electronics and programming, simulations and data analysis.
• A6. Theory and computing:
  Theory projects have a close connection to experimental applications or the development of new methods for characterising the properties of matter. An intense use of numerical techniques but also a solid understanding of the underlying theory is required. Students work on solving the Schrödinger equation for highly excited many-electron systems, the time-dependent Schrödinger equation for dynamical processes, techniques for nonperturbative radiation-matter interactions, quantum-chemical simulations and the development of algorithms for solving specific photon science and imaging problems.

Program C : Research in Astroparticle Physics:

We explore high-energy processes in our universe and study messengers from outer space. Projects for summer students are offered in the following areas of physics analysis, instrument development and theory of astroparticle physics:

• C1. Astroparticle physics analysis and observations:
  Physics analysis in the context of gamma-ray observatories like CTA, H.E.S.S., MAGIC and VERITAS, the IceCube neutrino observatory, optical and UV telescopes and future detectors for high-energy astrophysics. Projects include analysis of data taken with the listed observatories, algorithm development, transient detection methods and activities in advanced computing and machine learning techniques.
• C2. Instrumentation for astroparticle physics:
  Activities encompass the development of instrumentation for astroparticle experiments including readout electronics, radio equipment, photo detectors, semiconductor sensors and optical devices.
• C3. Theory of astroparticle physics:
  Students are offered participation in research projects related to the modeling of astrophysical phenomena and interpretation of information from multiple high-energy messengers. Studies include the theoretical treatment of particle acceleration, high velocity outflows and turbulences as well as gravitational waves.