Research groups

Controlled Molecules

Dr. Sandra Eibenberger-Arias
Our research is targeted at understanding and coherently controlling cold, gas-phase molecules. We have a specific interest in the spectroscopic investigation and manipulation of chiral molecules. We developed a novel experimental setup incorporating ultraviolet an microwave radiation for full quantum state control of chiral molecules. more

Spectroscopy and chemistry of metal clusters complexes

Dr. André Fielicke
We apply spectroscopic tools for the investigation of strongly bound clusters in the gas phase to elucidate their geometric (and electronic) structures. Our main target is to obtain a fundamental understanding for the often unusual chemical properties of nano-scale materials. more

Infrared excitation of gas-phase molecules and clusters

Prof. Gert von Helden
We use ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) to study the overall shape of proteins and carbohydrates and to separate complex isomeric mixtures to prepare for messenger tagging IR spectroscopy. Complementary to that, we measure IR spectra in ultra-cold helium droplets to obtain more detailed insights information on structure and intramolecular interactions of hydorgen bond model systems, carbocations, peptides, and proteins. more

Radiative Cooling Dynamics of Molecules

Dr. Jascha Lau
We study the spontaneous emission from small molecular ions using time-resolved and dispersed fluorescence spectroscopy. We are particularly interested in the development of new techniques for studying radiative cooling of molecules on long time scales, which will further our understanding of chemical reactions and molecular emission signatures in the interstellar medium. more

Theoretical Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics

Dr. Jesús Pérez Ríos
In our group, we are interested on the fundamentals of the interaction that holds the atoms within the molecules. In particular, we study theoretical cold and ultracold chemistry, physics beyond the standard model through deviations in the spectra of atoms and molecules and how machine learning techniques can help in complex chemical phenomena. more

Atom and molecule optics

Dr. Wieland Schöllkopf
We study experimental atom optics, including reflection, diffraction, and focusing of atoms and small molecules more

Dynamics of photoionization-induced processes in laser-prepared gas- and aqueous-phase samples

Dr. Florian Trinter
We combine synchrotron radiation and laser pulses with state-of-the-art reaction microscope and liquid-microjet photoemission spectroscopy setups to understand dynamical processes in complex gas-phase molecules and aqueous solutions. more

Molecular quantum matter

Dr. Giacomo Valtolina
We investigate quantum gases of molecules through coherent association of ultracold atoms. With this approach, we create a molecular quantum gas at ultra low entropy. This is an ideal playground for studying molecular interaction dynamics in the quantum regime and new many-body phenomena. more

Liquid microjets

Dr. Bernd Winter
Research in the Winter group focuses on the electronic structure interactions in liquid water and aqueous solutions of common electrolytes, many organic and inorganic solute molecules, including amino acids, DNA, and from (transition) metal nanoparticles dispersed in water. Experimentally, we apply soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy from liquid microjets. more

Cold and ultracold molecules

Dr. Sid Wright
We use molecular beams and electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields to cool a gas of molecules to the quantum regime. This allows us to obtain full control over their internal and external degrees of freedom. At very low temperatures (~ 1 µK) the molecules reveal their quantum nature, start to behave cooperatively and form ordered structures through long-range dipole-dipole interactions. more

Structure, reactivity and dynamics of clusters and nanoparticles

Prof. Knut Asmis, Wilhelm-Ostwald-Institute for-Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Universität Leipzig, Germany
The goal of our research activities is to bridge the knowledge gap between isolated, nanoscale particles in the gas phase and condensed matter. To this end, we develop methods to characterize the structure, reactivity and dynamics of clusters, nanoparticles and fluid interfaces using state-of-the-art mass spectrometric and laser spectroscopic techniques.
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Ion mobility and gas-phase infrared spectroscopy of biological macromolecules

Prof. Kevin Pagel, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
Our research focuses on the structural elucidation of biomolecules, in particular complex carbohydrates and proteins, to study intra- and intermolecular (non-)covalent interactions in the gas phase. In this interdisciplinary research field, a combination of advanced analytical techniques, ion mobility-mass spectrometry, cryogenic gas-phase infrared spectroscopy, and computational approaches is used to understand the complex interplay between molecular properties at the microscopic level and their effects on the macroscopic scale. At this frontier, we aim to illuminate the structure-function relationship of these biomolecules and potentially uncover new pathways for developing therapeutic interventions and treatments. more

Infrared Photodissociation Spectroscopy in Homogeneous Catalysis

Jana Roithova, Professor of Spectroscopy and Catalysis, Radboud University, Faculty of Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Our research employs mass spectrometry and photodissociation spectroscopy to elucidate the nature of reactive intermediates in catalytic reactions. We develop innovative methods to trap and examine highly reactive species in organic and metal-organic reactions. At the Fritz Haber Institute, we specialize in characterizing intermediates involved in small molecule activation, including the electrochemical reduction of N₂ and CO₂ or electrochemical oxidation of ammonia. more

Research groups

Associated Research Groups