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).

Talks & Tutorials

News

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.

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. Caterina Cocchi Visits the University of Bayreuth

27. Oktober 2026 | News

Prof. Dr. Caterina Cocchi Welcomed as Part of the OPTEXC Invited Speaker Series. On October 21 and 22, 2026, we had the pleasure of welcoming Prof. Dr. Caterina Cocchi from Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena for two outstanding events within the OPTEXC Invited Speaker Series and the OPTEXC Tutorial Series. Her tutorial, “Ab Initio Spectroscopy: A Solid-State Physicist’s […]

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 […]