Christian Ringhofer works on models to design and optimize ensembles, using methods of statistical physics. This is a research field with a multitude of applications. Applications he is currently working on are:
- Design of the next generation of solar cells, based on thin films of non - crystalline materials. These devices promise to be more cost effective than the currently used technology.
- Design of insurance policies based on game theoretical principles. This allows the insurer as well as the client to predict their optimal choice of rates and plans.
- Optimizing the flow structure in highly complex production systems, such as semiconductor 'fabs'. This serves to react optimally to changes in demand.
- Description of highly integrated semiconductor devices, functioning on quantum mechanical principles. Future generations of chips require this theory for optimal design of performance.