B – Function and control in molecular matter

In Research Area B, we will tackle a set of related problems in molecular matter, and in small quantum systems in general, using sophisticated experimental and theoretical methods to capture the microscopic dynamics that underpin chemical reactivity and function. Especially exciting are projects in which molecular systems of intermediate sizes result in more than one potential energy surface.

We will study regimes where the Born-Oppenheimer approximation fails, with important consequences for how quantum control of electron trajectories results in the motion of atoms.

We will also study spontaneously fluctuating dynamics that cannot be triggered and instead evolve in the electronic ground state. For this we will use a combination of high repetition rate femtosecond and attosecond X-ray scattering experiments, and AI-based algorithms to capture rare transition states or critical phenomena.

Finally, we will tackle the theme of dynamical chirality, especially where chirality can be induced with light in small molecules, in extended crystals and in biomolecules, in collaboration between all three areas.

Scientists in Research Area B

• Dr. Kartik Ayyer
• Dr. Saša Bajt
• Prof. Sadia Bari
• Dr. Rebecca Boll
• Prof. Francesca Calegari
• Dr. Oliviero Cannelli
• Prof. Andrea Cavalleri
• Prof. Martin Eckstein
• Prof. Markus Gühr
• Prof. Carmen Herrmann
• Prof. Nils Huse
• Prof. Markus Ilchen
• Prof. Franz Kärtner
• Prof. Dorota Koziej
• Prof. Jochen Küpper
• Dr. Christopher Milne
• Prof. Henning Moritz
• Prof. Arwen Pearson
• Prof. Nonne Prisle
• Prof. Nina Rohringer
• Dr. Mariana Rossi
• Prof. Angel Rubio
• Prof. Robin Santra
• Prof. Tim Wehling

International Partners

• Prof. Anne Huillier
• Prof. Linda Young

For more information, please view "Who we are"