Our group manages the 6 MV tandetron accelerator, the heart of the Cologne-AMS facility. AMS is the most precise method for detecting the smallest quantities of long-lived radionuclides in samples. We use this technology in a wide variety of areas.
Carbon dioxide has played a central role in the development of the Earth's environment for thousands of years. In collaboration with Prof. Rethemeyer (Geology) we are developing new methods to date small gaseous carbon dioxide samples more accurately using the C-14 method.
In Germany and around the world, huge quantities of radioactive waste will be produced over the next few decades, partly due to the dismantling of nuclear power plants. We are developing new methods to determine more quickly and reliably whether and how a sample must be declared as radioactive waste.
Landscapes are largely shaped by the erosion and layering of rock strata. These processes are largely reflected in the different concentrations of cosmogenic nuclides. Dating is a crucial tool for investigating the history of the formation of landscapes.
We also work on applications in astrophysics. In particular, we are trying to understand where and how the heavy elements in the universe were formed. Nuclear processes in the stars play a major role in this, which we can simulate for a short time in the accelerator. We also use accelerator mass spectrometry to search for past signals from stellar explosions.
When atomic nuclei are accelerated, they can pass through human tissue almost undisturbed. Only at the end of their path they deposit most of their energy. This fact is used to irradiate certain types of cancer with high precision. We are researching ways to make this radiation more precise and safer for patients.
We deal with the numerous applications of the atomic nucleus in the environment, nature, medicine and the cosmos. We use the latest experimental technologies with the aim of making the world a little bit better.
Below you will find information about our team, teaching, theses and jobs with us.
A central part of our working group are the accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) facilities, one of the largest research facilities at the University of Cologne. Details and a virtual tour of our facilities can be found under the link "AMS".
We also work at large international research facilities such as FAIR (Darmstadt), FRIB (USA), Argonne National Laboratory (USA) and TRIUMF (Canada). At these facilities we carry out experiments with "radioactive ion beams". This special form of matter plays a major role in the formation and development of stars and our universe. You can find out more about this under the link "Astrophysics"!
The atomic nucleus also has many applications in medicine. Among other things, we are studying a high-precision method for irradiating malignant tumors with atomic nuclei. Sounds exciting? Click on the link "Medical Physics" for more information!
Interesting short articles on current topics can be found below in our news blog.
Have fun browsing.
