Kernschicht

Kernschicht is a German term that translates roughly to “core layer.” It denotes the central layer of a multi-layered object or system, typically situated between an inner core and outer layers, and often carrying essential properties or functions.

In many contexts, Kernschicht refers to a core-shell or core-layer structure in materials science and nanotechnology. A central core material is surrounded by one or more layers, and the overall behavior depends on the core composition, the shell materials, thickness, and the quality of interfaces. Such structures are common in catalysis, optics, biomedicine, and energy storage.

In software engineering and IT architecture, Kernschicht can describe the kernel or core layer—the layer closest to the hardware that provides fundamental services and resources to higher-level layers. This layer is typically designed to be stable, modular, and well protected to support system reliability and security.

In geoscience and planetary science, the term is less standardized. Some texts use Kernschicht to describe a central or intermediate region near the core of a body, but the conventional terms are inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. As a result, the exact meaning of Kernschicht can vary by discipline and author.

Etymology: from Kern (core) and Schicht (layer). See also Kern, Schicht, core-shell structures, and kernel in computer science.