Chirality of molecules: DFG extends funding for Collaborative Research Center

Spokesman of the SFB is Prof. Dr. Thomas Baumert, Head of the Department of Femtosecond Petroscopy and Ultrafast Laser Control: "Our SFB focuses on a different, but equally fundamental aspect. With ELCH we have established a research center aiming at a microscopic and quantum mechanical understanding of chiral molecules in the gas phase. To this end, the most advanced tools of experimental and theoretical atomic and molecular physics as well as quantum optics (AMO) are used to control and drive chirality at the level of isolated single molecules. Using light, we address the entire molecular system consisting of electrons and nuclei, creating a unique light-driven gas-phase laboratory for physics on chiral molecules. In the first funding period, ELCH achieved several internationally highly regarded scientific results in more than 40 collaborations, which are the basis for the now approved extension."

In addition to its scientific goals, the SFB has other important objectives, Baumert said, "Our strategic goal is to strengthen AMO physics in Kassel and the participating sites, which is being done in Kassel through two new projects. Our (educational) goal is to provide the best possible research conditions for young scientists. To attract young scientists, a new transfer project is dedicated to developing modern teaching materials for schools that are available nationwide. For our equality goal, we use the very high level of all locations, and strengthen it through physics-specific measures."

Vice President Prof. Dr. Michael Wachendorf, who is responsible for research at the University of Kassel, among other things, is pleased about the extension and adds, "With the Collaborative Research Center ELCH, cutting-edge scientific research in physics is applied and further developed, and it shows once again that the University of Kassel is excellently positioned when it comes to cutting-edge research."

Nine professorships at the University of Kassel are involved. Other partners include the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY) Hamburg, Philipps University Marburg, Goethe University Frankfurt and Freie Universität Berlin, each with one professorship.

Further information:
https://www.uni-kassel.de/forschung/sfb/sfb-1319-elch

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Thomas Baumert
University of Kassel
Institute of Physics
Department  Femtosecond Petroscopy and Ultrafast Laser Control
Tel.: +49 561 804-4452
E-mail: baumert[et]physik[dot]uni-kassel[dot]de