Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Also known as Institute for Microstructure Technology (IMT) · Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT) · Karlsruhe Institute of Technology · Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) · KIT – The University in the Helmholtz Association
Type not confirmedLocations reported in Germanyimt.kit.edu
A portable signal-generating electronic toolbox for dielectrophoresis applications, constructed with standard off-the-shelf electronic components and applicable to any micro-electrode design.
Source & evidence
Supplier website we introduce ADEPT (Adaptable Dielectrophoresis Embedded Platform Tool): a portable signal-generating electronic toolbox, that aims at enhancing dielectrophoresis (DEP) applications. The innovation addresses the gap between application scientists (e.g., biologists, chemists, physicists) and electrical engineers by providing a versatile and universal signal-generating electronic toolbox. Constructed with standard off-the-shelf electronic components, ADEPT is applicable to any micro-electrode design Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Deutscher Zukunftspreis: KIT researchers nominated for photonic innovation
Researchers from KIT, led by Professor Christian Koos, Dr. Philipp Dietrich, and Dr. Matthias Lauermann, were nominated for the Deutscher Zukunftspreis for work in optical data communication.
Source & evidence
Supplier website Deutscher Zukunftspreis: KIT researchers nominated for photonic innovation Researchers from KIT, led by Professor Christian Koos, Dr. Philipp Dietrich, and Dr. Matthias Lauermann, have been nominated for the Deutscher Zukunftspreis, recognizing their groundbreaking work in optical data communication. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Video on Claudia's PhD thesis
The institute and the Hector-Seminar KIT made a video about the topic of Claudia's PhD thesis.
Dr. Jingyuan Xu was awarded an ERC Starting Grant for project COOLWEAVE, which will receive approximately €1.5 million in funding over five years.
Source & evidence
Supplier website ERC Starting Grant for Jingyuan Xu Dr. Jingyuan Xu, Young Investigator Group Leader at the Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT), has been awarded a prestigious ERC Starting Grant by the European Research Council. Her project COOLWEAVE will receive approximately €1.5 million in funding over five years to explore new concepts for efficient and sustainable solid-state cooling. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Heat-driven solid-state cooling with shape memory films
A KIT research team led by Dr. Jingyuan Xu developed a solid-state cooling approach driven by heat rather than electricity, using complementary shape memory alloy films.
Source & evidence
Supplier website Heat-driven solid-state cooling with shape memory films A research team led by Dr. Jingyuan Xu at KIT has developed a new approach to solid-state cooling that can be driven directly by heat instead of electricity. The concept combines complementary shape memory alloy films: one converts thermal energy into mechanical work, which then drives another to generate cooling through the elastocaloric effect. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Microtechnology: Water Flow Twists Ultra-Fine Fibers into Bundles
IMT researchers and partners in China demonstrated a mechanism using flows at a water surface to rotate floating micro-objects and assemble ultra-thin fibers into ordered bundles.
Source & evidence
Supplier website Microtechnology: Water Flow Twists Ultra-Fine Fibers into Bundles Researchers from the Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT) at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), together with partners from China, have demonstrated a novel mechanism that generates controlled rotational motion using flows at a water surface alone. The contact-free approach enables floating micro-objects to rotate in a defined direction and allows ultra-thin fibers to be assembled into ordered, multi-layer bundles. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
The world visiting IMT
IMT hosted four visiting researchers from India, Japan, Mexico, and Spain through funding supported by KIT’s International Excellence Fellowship initiative and a DAAD bilateral funding scheme.
Source & evidence
Supplier website The world visiting IMT We are very happy to welcome this summer 4 visiting researchers from India, Japan, Mexico and Spain. IMT has not only very broad interdisciplinary research interests, but is also linked to many excellent researchers all over the globe. This year we have the honor to host Dr. Monsur Islam (UPM Madrid) who works on the interaction cells with structured pyrolytic carbon; Dr. Byeongwook Jo focuses on the development of engineered tissues and microphysiological systems through the integration of living cells, biomaterials, and microfabricated devices; Dr. Masoud Madadelahi (Tec de Monterrey) working on the characterization of interdigitated electrode (IDE) sensors integrated into microfluidic devices; last but not least Dr. Bidhan Pramanick who is interested in carbon based biosensing for medical applications. These research stays where made possible by KIT’s International Excellence Fellowship initiative as well as a Bilateral funding scheme of DAAD. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
From Lab to Fab: Breakthrough in Tandem Solar Cells
A team led by Prof. Paetzold demonstrated a fast, solvent-free close-space sublimation process for depositing uniform perovskite layers on textured silicon surfaces.
Source & evidence
Supplier website From Lab to Fab: Breakthrough in Tandem Solar Cells In a new Nature Energy publication, the team led by Prof. Paetzold presents an important step toward the industrialization of perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells. Together with their excellent collaborators in the group of Prof. Henk Bolink at the University of Valencia, they demonstrate a fast, solvent-free vacuum process—close-space sublimation (CSS)—that enables high-throughput deposition of uniform perovskite layers, even on textured silicon surfaces essential for future GW-scale production. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Five ERC Grants at IMT
The page reports that IMT is home to five ERC grants: three Synergy Grants, one Advanced Grant, and one Consolidator Grant.
Source & evidence
Supplier website Five ERC Grants at IMT Cutting-edge research at IMT: The Institute of Microstructure Technology is currently home to five prestigious grants funded by the European Research Council (ERC), highlighting IMT’s international visibility and scientific excellence. Together, these ERC Grants span the full breadth of IMT’s research areas. Ongoing funding includes three ERC Synergy Grants - NanoX (Prof. Weinhardt), HiSCORE (Prof. Korvink), and ATHENS (Prof. Koos) -, as well as one Advanced Grant - ORTHOGONAL (Prof. Lemmer) - and one Consolidator Grant – LAMIPERO (Prof. Paetzold). Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Oil-spill clean-up
The institute's work on oil-spill clean-up was highlighted in a Physics World podcast with Claudia Zeiger.
A warm welcome to the newly appointed professor at IMT!
Prof. Venera Weinhardt joined IMT in October 2025, heading the department “X-ray µ-Technologies”; her research focuses on X-ray imaging and quantitative visualization of biological systems.
Source & evidence
Supplier website A warm welcome to the newly appointed professor at IMT! Prof. Venera Weinhardt joined IMT in October 2025, heading the department “X-ray µ-Technologies”. She is an expert in X-ray imaging, including soft X-ray microscopy and multimodal approaches, with extensive experience developing novel imaging techniques. Her research group focused on methods to quantitatively visualize complex biological systems. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
New Open-Source Framework Advances Multicontrast X-ray Imaging
IMT researchers published SHI, a modular Python framework for multicontrast X-ray imaging that automates acquisition, harmonic retrieval, and CT preprocessing.
Source & evidence
Supplier website New Open-Source Framework Advances Multicontrast X-ray Imaging IMT researchers at KIT published "SHI: a framework for spatial harmonic imaging" in Scientific Reports. SHI is a modular Python framework for multicontrast X-ray imaging using periodic modulators (e.g., Hartmann masks). It automates acquisition, higher-order-harmonic retrieval, and CT preprocessing, extracting absorption, refraction, and scattering signals from a single exposure. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Clusters of Excellence: IMT is part of the success
KIT was successful with two proposals in the final of the Clusters of Excellence funding line, and IMT is involved in the 3D Matter Made to Order cluster.
Source & evidence
Supplier website Clusters of Excellence: IMT is part of the success The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has been successful with two approved proposals in the final of the Clusters of Excellence funding line that is part of the Excellence Strategy competition of the Federation and the States. IMT is actively involved in the cluster 3D Matter Made to Order (3DMM2O). Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Dr. Muhammad Wajahat joins the group
Dr. Muhammad Wajahat joined the group as a post-doctoral research associate from March 15, 2024, to work on pyrolysis of 3D-printed polymeric precursors for architected pyrolytic carbon structures.
Source & evidence
Supplier website April 2024: We are delighted to welcome Dr. Muhammad Wajahat to our group, from March 15 2024, as a post-doctoral research associate to work on pyrolysis of 3D printed polymeric precursors for architected pyrolytic carbon structures. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Publication on portable dielectrophoresis for biology
The publication presents ADEPT for biological applications, including cell positioning, cell separation, and studying cell interactions.
Source & evidence
Supplier website March 2024: We are excited to report our new publication titled, “Portable dielectrophoresis for biology: ADEPT facilitates cell trapping, separation, and interactions”, by Ms Albina Julius. This research highlights the adaptability of our dielectrophoresis platform, ADEPT (Adaptable Dielectrophoresis Embedded Platform Tool), in various biological applications. While dielectrophoresis enables label-free cell manipulation, ADEPT addresses its limited adoption in biological settings due to engineering expertise. ADEPT, coupled with an easy-to-use graphical interface and a microfluidic chip, showcases versatility in precision positioning, viability-based and phenotype-based cell separation, and studying cell interactions, such as steering a phagocytosis process. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Possible improvement of thin solar cells
An article about the institute's work on possible improvement of thin solar cells was highlighted by German and international media.
The article describes a stripline Lenz lens design with NMR signal enhancement up to 11 times and application to a sub-nanoliter sample volume.
Source & evidence
Supplier website January 2024: In this debut first-author article in Scientific Reports, titled "Broadband Stripline Lenz Lens Achieves 11 × NMR Signal Enhancement", Jianyi presents a novel NMR detector design that combines the Lenz lens and the stripline, resulting in a broadband frequency response with NMR signal enhancement up to 11 times. The research involved a thorough electrical analysis and computational simulations for the optimal resonator design, and the glass-based device was fabricated in the IMT clean room. The stripline Lenz lens was successfully applied to a sub-nanoliter sample volume Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
ADEPT manuscript in Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X
The manuscript introduces ADEPT as a portable signal-generating electronic toolbox for dielectrophoresis applications.
Source & evidence
Supplier website September 2023: In this new manuscript published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X with Ms. Albina Julius as first author, we introduce ADEPT (Adaptable Dielectrophoresis Embedded Platform Tool): a portable signal-generating electronic toolbox, that aims at enhancing dielectrophoresis (DEP) applications. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Paper on surfaces for cyanobacterial phototaxis
The paper explores MEMS-compatible surfaces for investigating cyanobacteria phototactic twitching motility and characterizes surfaces alongside phototaxis experiments.
Source & evidence
Supplier website January 2023: Ms. Albina Julius published her first milestone paper entitled "Surface Characterisation Reveals Substrate Suitability for Cyanobachterial Phototaxis" in Acta Biomaterialia.This article is dedicated to exploring Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) compatible surfaces for investigating the phototactic twitching motility of cyanobacteria. It marks the FIRST comprehensive study characterizing surfaces, coupled with phototaxis experiments Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
NMR-compatible electrochemistry platform article
The study reports fabricated electrochemistry platforms used for chitosan electrodeposition, monitored in situ using microscale NMR.
Source & evidence
Supplier website August 2020: As a milestone in his PhD career, Hossein published his second first author journal article, this time in Lab on a chip journal. The paper tackles the challenge of performing NMR and electrochemical experiments simultaneously, due to the incompatibility of introducing metallic structures inside the NMR sensitive volume. The study starts with a comprehensive simulation and analysis of different possible electrode geometries. Based on these simulations and thanks to the “in-house” µ-fabrication facilities in IMT, a selection of electrochemistry platforms was fabricated. These platforms were employed to conduct chitosan electrodeposition as a proof-of-concept electrochemical experiment and monitor the process in situ using microscale NMR, for the first time. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Special issue on Electromagnetic Levitation Microactuators
The page invites contributions to a special issue organized by Dr. Kirill Poletkin in the journal Actuators.
Dr. Kirill Poletkin co-edited the book Magnetic Sensors and Devices: Technologies and Applications.
Source & evidence
Supplier website September 2017: Dr. Kirill Poletkin has co-edited the recent book on Magnetic Sensors and Devices: Technologies and Applications. Laurent Francis, Kirill Poletkin and Krzysztof Iniewski eds. CRC Press, ISBN 9781498710978, 2017. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
White foamed polymer films as a possible replacement for TiO2
The institute's work on white foamed polymer films as a possible replacement for TiO2 was highlighted in a KIT press release.
Dr. Jingyuan Xu Awarded Ökologiepreis by the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities
Dr. Jingyuan Xu from IMT was awarded the Ökologiepreis for research in sustainable cooling and heating technologies and was selected to become a member of the Academy’s Young Academy.
Source & evidence
Supplier website The Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities announced that Dr. Jingyuan Xu from IMT has been awarded the Ökologiepreis for her research in sustainable cooling and heating technologies. This annual award recognizes scientific excellence in addressing environmental challenges through innovative solutions across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.The award ceremony took place in the Old Hall at the University of Heidelberg on June 8, where she was invited to give a lecture about her research. Dr. Xu was also selected to become a member of the Young Academy of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Polymer-based metamaterial for construction
Researchers at IMT and LTI developed a polymer-based material that lets sunlight in, helps maintain a comfortable indoor climate without additional energy, and cleans itself; outdoor tests were conducted on the KIT campus.
Source & evidence
Supplier website Researchers at the Institute for Microstructure Technology (IMT) and the Light Technology Institute (LTI) at KIT have now developed a novel polymer-based metamaterial that combines various properties and could replace glass components in construction in t Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) introduce a polymer-based material with unique properties in the latest issue of the journal Nature Communications. This material allows sunlight to enter, maintains a more comfortable indoor climate without additional energy, and cleans itself like a lotus leaf. The new development could replace glass components in walls and roofs in the future. The research team has successfully tested the material in outdoor tests on the KIT campus. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Excellent Bachelor thesis by Leon Middendorf
Leon designed and built a custom detector and shimset for the group’s EPR magnet.
Dr. Joel Joseph honored with the HGF doctoral award
Joel Joseph received the award on April 29 for doctoral research into thermomagnetic thin-film drives and thermal energy harvesters; development efforts increased power per footprint by 340 percent compared with the first prototype.
Source & evidence
Supplier website On April 29, Joel Joseph received this prestigious award from Prof. Dr. Otmar Wiestler, President of the Helmholtz Association (HGF). As part of his doctorate in Prof. Dr. Manfred Kohl's working group, Joel Joseph investigated the innovative use of thermomagnetic thin-film drives to develop thermal energy harvesters with very high power per footprint. The development efforts resulted in a 340 percent increase in power per footprint compared over the first prototype. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Ulrich W. Paetzold appointed as university professor at KIT
Dr. Ulrich W. Paetzold was appointed to the W3 Professorship “Next Generation Photovoltaics” at IMT, effective May 1, 2024.
Prize of the Leopoldina for young scientist Jingyuan Xu
The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina honored Dr. Jingyuan Xu for research into novel heating and cooling technologies for the energy transition.
Thermomagnetic generators developed through the HEAT4ENERGY network
IMT researchers are developing thermomagnetic generators to produce electricity from low-grade waste heat; the network plans to advance the technology and implement functional prototypes over four years.
Source & evidence
Supplier website There is much unused energy in low-grade waste heat at 40 to 60 °C. In the framework of the EU doctoral network HEAT4ENERGY, researchers at IMT are working on the development of thermomagnetic generators to produce electricity. Thermomagnetic generators are based on novel alloys that exhibit strongly temperature-dependent magnetic properties near room temperature. The change of magnetization induces an electrical current in an applied pick-up coil. The required temperature changes are only a few degrees Celsius. A possible field of applications are microgenerators, for instance, to power sensors in hardly accessible places or to energize electronic components in order to operate them without batteries. In the next four years, researchers of the EU doctoral network HEAT4ENERGY will advance this technology and implement first functional prototypes. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells and vacuum processing
IMT researchers highlight that vacuum vapor-phase deposition, with certain improvements, may be suitable for faster industrial production of perovskite solar cells; the market-ready manufacturing method remains unresolved.
Source & evidence
Supplier website Weltweit arbeiten Forschung und Industrie an der Kommerzialisierung der Perowskit-Photovoltaik. Forschende am IMT heben im Rahmen einer internationalen Initiative hervor: Industriell erprobte Vakuumverfahren könnten mit gewissen Verbesserungen zur schnel Perowskit-Silizium-Tandemsolarzellen haben in den vergangenen zehn Jahren eine rasante Entwicklung durchlaufen: In der Forschung konnten Wirkungsgrade von mehr als 33 Prozent erreicht werden. Damit liegen sie bereits heute über den herkömmlichen siliziumbasierten Solarzellen. Die Marktreife steht allerdings noch aus. Eine der Hürden ist die ungeklärte Frage, mit welchem Verfahren sich Perowskit-Solarzellen als Massenprodukt am besten herstellen lassen. Dabei stehen lösungsmittelbasierte Herstellungsverfahren, die in den Laboren weltweit angewandt werden, Dampfphasenabscheidungsverfahren im Vakuum gegenüber, die auch heute noch Standard in der Herstellung von Dünnschichten in der Photovoltaik oder bei der Produktion organischer Leuchtdioden (OLEDs) sind. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Jakoba Wacker joins the team
Jakoba joins as a PhD student and will work on molecular contrast agents for MRI and routes to maximize their polarization.
Source & evidence
Supplier website Equipped with a M.Sc. degree in Chemistry from the University of Stuttgart Jakoba joins the team as a new PhD student. As an experienced synthetic chemist, she will work on new molecular contrast agents for MRI as well as develop new routes to maximise their polarization. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Dr. Joel Joseph honored with the HGF doctoral award
On April 29, Joel Joseph received this prestigious award from Prof. Dr. Otmar Wiestler, President of the Helmholtz Association (HGF). As part of his doctorate in Prof. Dr. Manfred Kohl's working group, Joel Joseph investigated the innovative use of thermomagnetic thin-film drives to develop thermal energy harvesters with very high power per footprint. The development efforts resulted in a 340 percent increase in power per footprint compared over the first prototype. With his research results, Dr. Joel Joseph is making an important contribution to satisfying the enormous demand for local, distributed energy generation. These are particularly needed in connected devices specifically designed to accurately sense environmental conditions.
Source & evidence
Supplier website On April 29, Joel Joseph received this prestigious award from Prof. Dr. Otmar Wiestler, President of the Helmholtz Association (HGF). As part of his doctorate in Prof. Dr. Manfred Kohl's working group, Joel Joseph investigated the innovative use of thermomagnetic thin-film drives to develop thermal energy harvesters with very high power per footprint. The development efforts resulted in a 340 percent increase in power per footprint compared over the first prototype. With his research results, Dr. Joel Joseph is making an important contribution to satisfying the enormous demand for local, distributed energy generation. These are particularly needed in connected devices specifically designed to accurately sense environmental conditions. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Ulrich W. Paetzold appointed as university professor at KIT
Dr. Ulrich W. Paetzold has been appointed to the W3 Professorship "Next Generation Photovoltaics" at the Institute for Microstructure Technology, effective May 1st, 2024. Over the past years, Dr. Paetzold has established internationally recognized research activities in Perovskite Photovoltaics at KIT, serving as a junior researcher and tenure-track professor. In 2022, Dr. Paetzold was honoured by the European Research Council with an ERC Consolidator Grant exceeding 2 million euros of funding, enabling research into a radically new idea over the next 5 years.
Source & evidence
Supplier website Dr. Ulrich W. Paetzold has been appointed to the W3 Professorship "Next Generation Photovoltaics" at the Institute for Microstructure Technology, effective May 1st, 2024. Over the past years, Dr. Paetzold has established internationally recognized research activities in Perovskite Photovoltaics at KIT, serving as a junior researcher and tenure-track professor. In 2022, Dr. Paetzold was honoured by the European Research Council with an ERC Consolidator Grant exceeding 2 million euros of funding, enabling research into a radically new idea over the next 5 years. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Prize of the Leopoldina for young scientist Jingyuan Xu
With the Leopoldina Prize for young scientists, German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina honors Dr. Jingyuan Xu, who researches novel heating and cooling technologies for the energy transition. The award ceremony will take place on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in Halle (Saale). Dr. Xu will present her research in a lecture. The young engineer is currently the recipient of two other awards: the Hector RCD Award and member of the Global Young Academy.
Source & evidence
Supplier website With the Leopoldina Prize for young scientists, German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina honors Dr. Jingyuan Xu, who researches novel heating and cooling technologies for the energy transition. The award ceremony will take place on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in Halle (Saale). Dr. Xu will present her research in a lecture. The young engineer is currently the recipient of two other awards: the Hector RCD Award and member of the Global Young Academy. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Thermomagnetic generators in the EU doctoral network HEAT4ENERGY
There is much unused energy in low-grade waste heat at 40 to 60 °C. In the framework of the EU doctoral network HEAT4ENERGY, researchers at IMT are working on the development of thermomagnetic generators to produce electricity. Thermomagnetic generators are based on novel alloys that exhibit strongly temperature-dependent magnetic properties near room temperature. The change of magnetization induces an electrical current in an applied pick-up coil. The required temperature changes are only a few degrees Celsius. A possible field of applications are microgenerators, for instance, to power sensors in hardly accessible places or to energize electronic components in order to operate them without batteries. In the next four years, researchers of the EU doctoral network HEAT4ENERGY will advance this technology and implement first functional prototypes. Among the partners is the spin-off company memetis GmbH (https://www.memetis.com) found in 2017 by three former PhD student at IMT that specializes on innovative actuator technologies.
Source & evidence
Supplier website There is much unused energy in low-grade waste heat at 40 to 60 °C. In the framework of the EU doctoral network HEAT4ENERGY, researchers at IMT are working on the development of thermomagnetic generators to produce electricity. Thermomagnetic generators are based on novel alloys that exhibit strongly temperature-dependent magnetic properties near room temperature. The change of magnetization induces an electrical current in an applied pick-up coil. The required temperature changes are only a few degrees Celsius. A possible field of applications are microgenerators, for instance, to power sensors in hardly accessible places or to energize electronic components in order to operate them without batteries. In the next four years, researchers of the EU doctoral network HEAT4ENERGY will advance this technology and implement first functional prototypes. Among the partners is the spin-off company memetis GmbH (https://www.memetis.com) found in 2017 by three former PhD student at IMT that specializes on innovative actuator technologies. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Jingyuan Xu receives the Leopoldina Prize for young scientists
The National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina is honoring Jingyuan Xu with the Leopoldina Prize for Young Scientists for her research on climate-friendly cooling using elastocaloric technologies. The award ceremony was scheduled for March 18, 2024, in Halle (Saale).
Source & evidence
Supplier website The National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina is honoring the engineer for thermodynamics and energy technology Jingyuan Xu for her research achievements in the field of climate-friendly cooling using elastocaloric technologies with the Leopoldina Prize for Young Scientists 2023. The award ceremony will take place on Monday, March 18, 2024, in Halle (Saale). Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells and vacuum processing
Perowskit-Silizium-Tandemsolarzellen haben in den vergangenen zehn Jahren eine rasante Entwicklung durchlaufen: In der Forschung konnten Wirkungsgrade von mehr als 33 Prozent erreicht werden. Damit liegen sie bereits heute über den herkömmlichen siliziumbasierten Solarzellen. Die Marktreife steht allerdings noch aus. Eine der Hürden ist die ungeklärte Frage, mit welchem Verfahren sich Perowskit-Solarzellen als Massenprodukt am besten herstellen lassen. Dabei stehen lösungsmittelbasierte Herstellungsverfahren, die in den Laboren weltweit angewandt werden, Dampfphasenabscheidungsverfahren im Vakuum gegenüber, die auch heute noch Standard in der Herstellung von Dünnschichten in der Photovoltaik oder bei der Produktion organischer Leuchtdioden (OLEDs) sind.
Source & evidence
Supplier website Perowskit-Silizium-Tandemsolarzellen haben in den vergangenen zehn Jahren eine rasante Entwicklung durchlaufen: In der Forschung konnten Wirkungsgrade von mehr als 33 Prozent erreicht werden. Damit liegen sie bereits heute über den herkömmlichen siliziumbasierten Solarzellen. Die Marktreife steht allerdings noch aus. Eine der Hürden ist die ungeklärte Frage, mit welchem Verfahren sich Perowskit-Solarzellen als Massenprodukt am besten herstellen lassen. Dabei stehen lösungsmittelbasierte Herstellungsverfahren, die in den Laboren weltweit angewandt werden, Dampfphasenabscheidungsverfahren im Vakuum gegenüber, die auch heute noch Standard in der Herstellung von Dünnschichten in der Photovoltaik oder bei der Produktion organischer Leuchtdioden (OLEDs) sind. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship for Ali Ghotbi Varzaneh
Ali Ghotbi Varzaneh was awarded the Georg Forster Research Fellowship funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. His project focuses on solid-state multicaloric cooling in all-d-metal alloys.
Source & evidence
Supplier website Ali Ghotbi Varzaneh, our postdoctoral researcher, has been awarded the prestigious Georg Forster Research Fellowship funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. He will focus on the project "Solid-State Multicaloric Cooling in All-d-Metal Alloys: Toward an Innovative Cooling Technology." Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Dr. Jingyuan Xu Awarded Ökologiepreis by the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities
Dr. Jingyuan Xu received the Ökologiepreis for her research in sustainable cooling and heating technologies.
Dr. Jingyuan Xu from the IMT, KIT was successful with her project at the Carl Zeiss Foundation
As part of the CZS Nexus program, Dr. Xu will lead a young investigator group and receive around 1.5 million euros over five years to investigate CO₂-neutral elastocaloric cooling devices powered by heat.
Source & evidence
Supplier website As part of the CZS Nexus program, she will head young investigator group and receive around 1.5 million euros for a period of five years. Dr. Xu is investigating the development of CO₂-neutral elastocaloric cooling devices that are powered by heat and represent an electricity-free alternative. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
KIT Neuland article features our team and research
The KIT Neuland magazine’s 2023 edition features the team’s research in the article “revolutionärer Spin” (in German).
For his Masters’ thesis, Ahmed develops a PHIP polarization chamber for rapid generation of high polarization, with possible use in enhancing polarization on molecular contrast agents for medical imaging.
Source & evidence
Supplier website For his Masters‘ thesis, Ahmed develops a PHIP polarization chamber, which allows for the rapid generation of high polarization. One possible application is enhanced polarization on molecular contrast agents for medical imaging. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
Elene Aslanikashvili receives HyPERiON fellowship
Her Masters’ thesis investigates candidates for water soluble SABRE catalysts as an alternative to current methanol-based techniques.
Source & evidence
Supplier website In her Masters‘ thesis, Elene investigates candidates for water soluble SABRE catalysts, as opposed to the current methanol-based techniques. This would make SABRE much more environmentally friendly and be a huge step towards biocompatibility. Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) website Checked 4 Oct 2026
The group’s contribution in ChemPhysChem discusses the feasibility of an ALTADENA PHIP RASER for investigating chaos and nonlinear dynamics using a benchtop setup.
The DFG awarded Sören Lehmkuhl an Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Group, whose central research goal is to develop a new sensor based on the RASER approach.
Supports 12 facts: Company name · Description · News: Deutscher Zukunftspreis: KIT researchers nominated for photonic innovation · News: ERC Starting Grant for Jingyuan Xu · News: Heat-driven solid-state cooling with shape memory films · News: Microtechnology: Water Flow Twists Ultra-Fine Fibers into Bundles · News: The world visiting IMT · News: From Lab to Fab: Breakthrough in Tandem Solar Cells
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News: Five ERC Grants at IMT · News: A warm welcome to the newly appointed professor at IMT! · News: New Open-Source Framework Advances Multicontrast X-ray Imaging · News: Clusters of Excellence: IMT is part of the success
Supports 11 facts: Company name · News: Video on Claudia's PhD thesis · News: Oil-spill clean-ups with aquatic ferns · News: Oil-spill clean-up · News: Possible improvement of thin solar cells · News: White foamed polymer films as a possible replacement for TiO2 · News: Tailored AFM tips · News: Biomimetic nano- and microstructures
Supports 10 facts: Company name · ADEPT (Adaptable Dielectrophoresis Embedded Platform Tool) · News: Dr. Muhammad Wajahat joins the group · News: Publication on portable dielectrophoresis for biology · News: Broadband Stripline Lenz Lens NMR detector article · News: ADEPT manuscript in Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X · News: Paper on surfaces for cyanobacterial phototaxis · News: NMR-compatible electrochemistry platform article
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News: Special issue on Electromagnetic Levitation Microactuators · News: Book on Magnetic Sensors and Devices
Supports 9 facts: Company name · News: Excellent Bachelor thesis by Leon Middendorf · News: Jakoba Wacker joins the team · News: KIT Neuland article features our team and research · News: New project in the context of CRC 1527 – HyPERiON · News: Ahmed Hasaneen receives HyPERiON fellowship · News: Elene Aslanikashvili receives HyPERiON fellowship · News: Cover feature article: The Steady-State ALTADENA RASER Generates Continuous NMR Signals
Supports 8 facts: Company name · News: Dr. Jingyuan Xu Awarded Ökologiepreis by the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities · News: Polymer-based metamaterial for construction · News: Dr. Joel Joseph honored with the HGF doctoral award · News: Ulrich W. Paetzold appointed as university professor at KIT · News: Prize of the Leopoldina for young scientist Jingyuan Xu · News: Thermomagnetic generators developed through the HEAT4ENERGY network · News: Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells and vacuum processing
Supports 8 facts: Company name · News: Jingyuan Xu receives the Leopoldina Prize for young scientists · News: Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship for Ali Ghotbi Varzaneh · News: Dr. Jingyuan Xu Awarded Ökologiepreis by the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities · News: Jingyuan delivers lecture on sustainable cooling technology at Leopoldina · News: Jingyuan among panelists at the International Women's Day Forum · News: Kun Wang joins the Team · News: Dr. Jingyuan Xu from the IMT, KIT was successful with her project at the Carl Zeiss Foundation
Supports 6 facts: Company name · News: Dr. Joel Joseph honored with the HGF doctoral award · News: Ulrich W. Paetzold appointed as university professor at KIT · News: Prize of the Leopoldina for young scientist Jingyuan Xu · News: Thermomagnetic generators in the EU doctoral network HEAT4ENERGY · News: Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells and vacuum processing