Research at IMM
Our research focuses on the fundamental interactions between molecules, the chemistry of complex, life-like molecular systems and the properties of matter emerging from quantum effects. Physicists and (bio) chemists, theorists and experimentalists cooperate in many research fields. Together, we work on understanding, designing and controlling the functioning of molecules and materials at the smallest length and time scales. The IMM research is organised in three research themes.
Research themes
Structure and Dynamics of Molecules
Acquiring a detailed understanding of molecular interactions is of great importance for physics and chemistry. It may allow us to actively control macroscopic systems, with applications ranging from more efficient chemical reactors to molecular quantum devices. Within this research theme, we unravel molecular interactions by studying motions within (bio) molecules, along with collisions between molecules and chemical reactions. Experiments are often based on advanced spectroscopic techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and various laser techniques.
Chemistry of Complex Systems
Within this research theme, we aim to design and synthesize chemical reaction networks, such as those found in the cell, and study the complexity and functions that emerge in systems chemistry . We are inspired by chemistry in living cells, and want to master chemical processes that are found in biological environments. Industrial and catalytic processes could eventually benefit from this research as they often occur under circumstances of high concentrations and/or temperature.
Spectroscopy of Quantum Materials
The goal within this research theme is to understand, develop, and manipulate materials based on collective or emergent quantum effects, aiming at new types of functionality. To achieve this, we manipulate interactions in materials at the most extreme limits, namely at the level of individual atoms, on ultra-short time scales, at high pressures, or in the highest magnetic fields. We investigate quantum phases emerging in highly unbalanced conditions, at material interfaces, and in lower dimensional systems. New quantum materials may lead to much faster and more energy efficient ways of computing, transferring and storing of data, to mention some of the potential big applications.
Research groups
The Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) has 23 research groups, from fundamental interactions between molecules, the chemistry of complex life-like molecular systems to the properties of matter emerging from quantum effects. Research at IMM is focused on three closely connected themes, supported by unique research facilities.
Projects
Researchers at IMM are involved in many different research projects. In this list, you can find some of our current projects.
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Bettering nature’s approach
Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 is a promising approach to offset carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In this project, Roithova's team studied how the 3D architecture of catalysts affects the conversion of CO2 to cleaner substances.
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Neuromorphic Scientific Computing: Towards New Hardware
This project will quantify the actual and potential energy reduction of scientific computing with current and near-commercial neuromorphic hardware and benchmark the potential of new neuromorphic hardware platforms for scientific computing.
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Quantifying electron-electron forces at the atomic scale
In this project, researchers will investigate novel correlated electron phases in 2D materials. These phases exhibit unusual superconducting or magnetic behaviour and a better understanding of the role of electron interactions is needed. The research
Seminars
Bloembergen-Shen laser spectroscopy seminar series
The Institute for Molecules and Materials of Radboud University is world-wide leading in advanced laser spectroscopy to probe and manipulate (magnetic) materials on ultrashort time scales. To further stimulate existing interactions between different departments, we organize a joint seminar, dedicated to the recent advances in laser spectroscopy. It is named after N. Bloembergen and Y.R. Shen – pioneers in laser spectroscopy and non-linear optics. Their seminal work on stimulated Raman scattering of light by magnons [1] paved the way to laser control of magnetism, ultrafast magnetism and opto-magnetism.
[1] Y. R. Shen and N. Bloembergen, Theory of Stimulated Brillouin and Raman Scattering, Phys. Rev. 137, A1787 (1965)
Organization
The seminar is organized by the Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials and Condensed Matter Physics departments and coordinated by Johan Mentink.
Format
The format is 30 minutes presentation and 15 minutes discussions. Distinct from usual group seminars, there is an emphasis to spend time on general physics challenges and the specific methods/techniques, not just flashing results. We hope this will stimulate more cross-IMM research harnessing each other's expertise to push the borders of physics. The seminar should be accessible to master students and potential master students. It is intended to end with a conclusion and outlook that stimulates further discussions.
Schedule
The seminar will be held every second Monday of the month.
Katsnelson debating theoretical physics seminar
At Radboud University we are passionate about uncovering the mysteries of modern physics and the fundamental laws of nature. Therefore, we organize a monthly seminar on debating theoretical physics, where leading scientist present lectures to stimulate debates on modern topics in theoretical physics across different departments and expertises, thereby cultivating the strength in theoretical physics.
The seminar is named after prof. Misha Katsnelson, professor of theoretical condensed matter physics at Radboud University since 2004. His work covers the whole field of condensed matter theory, with main achievements in magnetism, strongly correlated systems and graphene. Andre Geim wrote in his Nobel lecture 2010: “Our rapid progress would be impossible without Misha Katsnelson who provided us with all the theoretical help an experimentalist can only dream of”.
Organization
The seminar is organized by the Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials and Theory of Condensed Matter departments and coordinated by Johan Mentink
Format
We intend to make this a seminar in the style of the famous Ehrenfest colloquia, in which debates on theoretical physics were central and stimulated physics to the highest level. To this end we invite excellent speakers capable of taking a controversial position on a hotly debated contemporary topic in theoretical physics. The format is 30 minutes presentation and 15 minutes discussions. It is intended to end with a conclusion and outlook that stimulates further discussions.
Schedule
The seminar will be held every third Thursday of the month.