July 2026
Paper published in Nature Physics
Our work on exchange-mediated spin–electric control of single molecules on surfaces appeared in Nature Physics — congratulations to Paul and the whole team!
WillkeLab
Quantum Systems on Surfaces
Welcome to our Lab
Our research activities are focused on atomic and molecular quantum systems on surfaces. In particular, we are interested in their magnetic (spin) properties for quantum applications.
The laboratory was established in 2020 through an Emmy Noether research grant and expanded with an ERC Starting Grant (ATOMQUANT) in 2024. We are located at the Physikalisches Institut of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Mission Statement
We are excited to dive into the world of atoms and molecules, uncovering the mysteries of the nanoworld. In a diverse but like-minded team, we embrace the challenge of exploring and using the smallest building blocks of condensed matter. Our work with atoms and molecules advances our understanding of atomic structures, magnetism, quantum science and technology. This drives us to continuously innovate and refine our instrumentations with a focus on scanning probe microscopy.
“It's the little things in life that matter.” ⚛️🔬👀
News
July 2026
Welcome, Alexandra!
Alexandra Mohrs joins the group as a master student. Welcome aboard!
June 2026
New website
Our group website has moved to a new home — same address, fresh look, now maintained collaboratively by the whole group.
March 2026
Two new preprints online
New preprints on Hahn echo interpretation in ESR-STM and on atomic-scale quantum control of spin defects in a 2D semiconductor are now on arXiv.
Recent Publications
Exchange-mediated spin–electric control of single molecules on surfaces
Nature Physics (2026)
An electrically controlled single molecule spin switch
Nature Communications 16, 8242 (2025)
Our Funding
