Light-Matter-Interaction and Quantum Phenomena
Light-matter interaction is inherently of quantum nature because both the light fields and the matter excitations are quantum. Phenomena currently being investigated at the institute include ultrafast heat transport by quasiparticles on the nanometer scale, ultrafast molecular processes and their coupling to plasmonic resonances in metallic nanostructures, magnetization dynamics, as well as quantum information and thermodynamics of small systems and ultracold gases. The systems examined are nanoparticles and molecules, nanostructures and layered systems made of semiconducting, metallic and magnetic solids. A strong connection to ultra-fast physics and research with X-ray and synchrotron radiation establishes contact with non-university institutes. Applications of light-matter interaction are in smart soft matter and in the optoelectronics of solar cells and detectors.
SFB-1636: „Elementary Processes of Light-Driven Reactions at Nanoscale Metals“
In collaboration with the Institute of Chemistry, external institutions and researchers from the Humboldt University of Berlin, a team from the Institute of Physics and Astronomy succeeded in obtaining approval for a Collaborative Research Center on the topic of “Light-driven chemical reactions on nanoscale metals”.
The SFB 1636 consists of twelve scientific sub-projects, a research training group and four central projects, which are supported by the researchers through chemical syntheses, optical technologies, science communication and administration. Of the 27 applicants, 19 work at the University of Potsdam in the Institute of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics and Astronomy. Other participating institutions include the Helmholtz Center Berlin, the Fraunhofer IAP, the Berlin University of Applied Sciences, the German Electron Synchrotron and the Humboldt University of Berlin.
Prof. Mathias Bargheer from the Institute of Physics and Astronomy is the spokesperson for the Collaborative Research Center. More detailed information can be found on the website of the SFB.