Oldenburg. "The quasi-Fermi level in physics - and beyond" is the theme of the celebratory colloquium organised by the Institute of Physics on 1 October at 2.30 pm (Wechloy campus, W02 1-148) to mark the retirement of experimental physicist Prof. Dr Gottfried Heinrich Bauer. The programme includes topics on photovoltaics and semiconductor and solid-state physics. Bauer has been teaching and researching at the University of Oldenburg since 1993.

The high-calibre speakers come from universities and scientific institutions in Germany and abroad. In their lectures, they will address questions such as "Does the solar cell need contacts, and if so, how many?" and "Can electrons count? Implications for photocatalysis". Other topics include thin-film photovoltaics, photoluminescence and quantum effects in amorphous silicon.

After completing his studies and doctorate, Bauer headed a working group at the Institute of Physical Electronics at the University of Stuttgart, which was dedicated to research into amorphous silicon thin-film semiconductors for solar cells. In 1993, he was appointed to a professorship for experimental physics in Oldenburg, specialising in "Physical principles for the use of renewable energies". In addition to teaching and heading the Semiconductor Physics and Radiation Conversion working group, Bauer was also Dean of the Department of Physics and Chair of the Physics Diploma Examination Board.

[25.09.2012]