The Molecular Physics Division is part of the Atomic, Molecular, Quantum Optics and Photonics Section (SAMOP). The division is present at the yearly Spring Meeting of the SAMOP, contributes current research topics to the programme and represents the field of Molecular Physics inside the German Physical Society.

Molecular Physics has many intersections to chemistry, biology, mathematics and computer science. Observing the dynamics of electrons and atomic nuclei within molecules, interactions of molecules with light and with other molecules, and chemical reactions on their native, incredibly short time and small length scales provides insights into the quantum cosmos of such systems.

This enables the understanding of fundamental processes and can thus contribute to modern technological solutions.

When sunlight is converted into energy stored in plants via photosynthesis, in signal processing within the body, in our genetic material, in the atmosphere, and in many other areas - molecules play a crucial role throughout nature. Observing them is challenging, as they are not directly accessible and sophisticated tools are needed to make them visible.

• What happens throughout chemical reactions?
• How to catch and control molecules?
• What is the structure of molecules and why do they form it?
• How can this knowledge be exploited in medical applications?
• How to molecules transform energy and how do they store it?

With experimental and theoretical methods, those questions are investigated. This paves the way towards a fundamental understanding of microscopic processes as well as applications.

 

 

We investigate molecular structure, binding, intermolecular interactions, and chemical reactions to provide a basis for understanding and modifying molecules and molecular materials and their dynamical processes and chemical reactions.