Pioneering work: mathematical fundamentals of light refraction: Münster mathematician’s research into wave propagation in complex materials

Something everyone learns in Physics lessons at school is that light is refracted and reflected at the interface between air and water. The reason for this is the different refractive indices which the two mediums have - an optical property which is characteristic of each material. There are also materials with so-called negative refraction indices. These are special optical properties which the materials have which can make objects invisible and inaudible. "The mathematical understanding of this topic is still in its infancy," says Dr. Barbara Verfürth from the Institute of Analysis and Numerics at the University of Münster. Her PhD thesis demonstrates pioneering mathematical work by making her the first person to calculate the connection between materials and their refraction. This fundamental work in the field of mathematics can help later in developing high-resolution microscopes - or in improving sound-absorbing walls, which are important for good acoustics in concert halls or recording studios.