About our research
Research institutes
At Radboud University, we have a strong connection between theory and experiment. That’s why our leading theoretical physicists collaborate intensively with experimental material physicists at the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM). Together, they form the teaching staff of the Master’s specialisation in Quantum Matter. In your internship, you will have the opportunity to work in unique research facilities with internationally renowned scientists. If you’re successful in your internship, you have a good chance of obtaining a PhD position at the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM).
Research departments
During your Master's you will do at least one internship at one of our research departments. View a selection below or check the full list of departments of IMM.
We develop unique experimental techniques to control, collide and image individual molecules in the gas-phase, to answer what happens fundamentally when two molecules come together and collide?
We predict condensed matter properties, ranging from structural and dynamical properties, to topological and interaction phenomena, For this, we develop advanced mathematical frameworks and state-of-the-art numerical approaches.
Our goal is to study fundamental problems in condensed matter physics down to the atomic scale in order to explore new material platforms for future energy-efficient electronic devices and neuromorphic hardware. We utilize and develop scanning probe microscopy techniques in cryogenic environments and in magnetic fields, in addition to atomic manipulation techniques to create materials atom by atom.
Our main scientific focus is astrochemistry, with the aim to understand the chemical evolution in astrophysical environments, such as interstellar star-forming regions or planetary atmospheres, by simulating their conditions in the laboratory. To this end, we develop mass spectrometric techniques combined with advanced IR and THz spectroscopy.
We use the radiation of free electron laser FELIX to study both static and dynamic properties of matter. The goal of our research is to understand and control the relationship between the properties and structure of nanoscopic and molecular materials, with an emphasis on phenomena that occur on very short time scales. The underlying line is the interaction of photons with matter, the ambition is to achieve full control.
We study quantum phenomena and transport in low-dimensional systems like graphene, oxide heterostructures and topological insulators. Other topics of interest include far infrared resonances (cyclotron and spin), and interband magneto-optics.
The Soft Condensed Matter & Nanomaterials group primarily conducts research on magnetic levitation, the alignment of molecular systems and in situ monitoring of crystal growth. Other topics of interest include chirality and molecular magnetism.
Examples of student projects
Current projects
Curious what our researchers are working on? Some examples of ongoing research projects are:
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Brain-inspired computing
In the project' Neuromorphic computational and data Science: towards disruptively green computing', IBM, SURF and Radboud University investigate how neuromorphic hardware can meet green and sustainable energy need.
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Controlling molecular collisions: unveiling the secrets of cold molecules
In this project we study scattering resonances in chemical reactions involving molecules like OH, NO, NH3 and H2CO. Using external fields, we manipulate molecular collisions in order to require deeper insights in the secrets of cold molecular systems
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CHIROMAG
The CHIROMAG project aims to discover ultrafast and energy-efficient ways to control magnetic topological states, by joining scientific communities in ultrafast magnetism, spintronics, magnonics, photonics and advanced spectroscopy.
Research facilities
Radboud University is renowned for its unique, world class facilities in the field of material research. As a student in Quantum Matter, you’ll get the chance to work with one of the strongest continuous magnets in the world, whether or not in combination with unique Free Electron Lasers, as well as with NMR devices, Scanning Tunneling Microscopes, and many other kinds of laboratory equipment. All these facilities form part of the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM).