Welcome to the

The Zuerch Lab at the University of California at Berkeley experimentally explores structural, carrier and spin dynamics in novel quantum materials, heterostructures and at material interfaces to answer current questions in materials science and physical chemistry. For this we pursue a multidisciplinary research program that combines the exquisite possibilities that ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy and nanoimaging offers and closely interface with material synthesis and theory groups. We employ state-of-the-art methods and develop novel nonlinear X-ray spectroscopies in our lab and at large-scale facilities. Specifically, we are interested in experimentally studying and controlling material properties on time scales down to the sub-femtosecond regime and on nanometer length scales to tackle challenging problems in quantum electronics, information storage and solar energy conversion.

Learn more about our research.

Latest news:

We are excited to share that Michael received the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. This prestigious international award recognizes researchers who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in their fields and anticipates further groundbreaking contributions. More information can be found in the College of Chemistry press release:
https://chemistry.berkeley.edu/news/michael-zuerch-awarded-friedrich-wilhelm-bessel-research-award

The group held its annual holiday party at Jupiter. Happy holidays to all group members, collaborators, colleagues, family and friends.

We extend a warm welcome to Sadie Siegel who joins our group as graduate student this fall. Sadie will conduct research on new frontiers applying solid-state high harmonic generation to complex chemical environments.