Optical excitations in organic and inorganic semiconductors

Semiconductor materials are the cornerstone of modern electronic and photonic technology and central to sustainable economic growth. So far, the functions of semiconductors are mainly defined by chemical and physical properties of their components, and organic and inorganic semiconductors are treated as separate research areas. We want to overcome the divide in material systems and tailor the optoelectronic properties by different means.

Together with the University of Melbourne and Monash University, the University of Bayreuth has established an International Research Training Group in the field of semiconductor research. The graduate school started in spring 2023 and is funded by the German Science Foundation DFG (IRTG 2818/project number 464648486).

Our Focus
How can we tailor the optoelectronic properties of semiconductors, notably the nature of their photoexcitations, by employing external stimuli such as adjusting the local environment or using local fields?
Double degree
A central element in our program is the extended research stay abroad. You spend 6 to 12 months at the partner institutions and obtain a double degree, i.e., a PhD from both universities.
Open PhD Projects
Have a look at the PhD research topics on offer in the areas of experimental and theoretical physics, synthetic, physical and computational chemistry, electrical engineering, and related areas.

Talks & Tutorials

Prof. Dr. Caterina Cocchi

Universität Jena, Germany

Talk 22nd October, 2026 12:30 p.m.
Discovering Excitons in Organic and Hybrid Materials from First Principles

Tutorial, 21st October, 2026, 16 p.m.
Ab Initio Spectroscopy: A Solid-State Physicist‘s Perspective


PDF: Discover more

Prof. Dr. Bruno Ehrler

AMOLF, Netherlands

Talk 12th October, 2026 12:30 p.m.
Towards Neuromorphic Switching and More: Stable Solar Cells by Understanding Ion Migration in Perovskites

Tutorial, 12th October, 2026, 10 a.m.
Characterizing Ion Migration in Perovskites


PDF: Discover more

News

Invited Speaker Series: Prof. Dr. Bruno Ehrler Visits the University of Bayreuth
16. Oktober 2026 | News

Scientific Exchange at OPTEXC and MultiTrans: Prof. Dr. Bruno Ehrler Visits the University of Bayreuth On October 12, 2026, the International Research Training Group IRTG OPTEXC and the Collaborative Research Centre CRC 1585 MultiTrans (funded by the German Research Foundation – DFG) at the University of Bayreuth hosted a vibrant day of scientific exchange, welcoming […]

Scientific Synergy and Future Visions: The Annual OPTEXC Retreat at Kloster Banz
31. Juli 2026 | News

Scientific Synergy and Future Visions: The Annual OPTEXC Retreat at Kloster Banz From project progress to a strong DFG follow-up proposal: The international OPTEXC community gathered at the historic Kloster Banz monastery to deepen collaboration and shape the future of organic electronics. On Sunday, July 19, 2026, the International Research Training Group OPTEXC kicked off […]

Another Milestone for OPTEXC: Successful PhD Defense in our International Network
31. Juli 2026 | News

Another Milestone for OPTEXC: Successful PhD Defense in our International Network Last Thursday marked another proud milestone for the International Research Training Group OPTEXC. Daniel Kroh successfully defended his PhD thesis on „Multiple aggregate formation in organic donor and acceptor molecules“. His research addresses key questions at the absolute heart of next-generation organic electronics. The […]