Chemical Physics
We explore chemical reaction mechanisms under idealized conditions. For the experiments, we use high-resolution mass spectrometers to investigate clusters which are isolated in ultra-high vacuum. Spectroscopy and photochemistry is performed with laser systems of the Innsbruck Laser Core Facility. Using an atomic force microscope, we enforce chemical reactions in single polymer molecules. Quantum chemical calculations explain experimental findings. With these methods, we investigate the nature of chemical bonds and explain a multitude of phenomena, ranging from photochemical ageing of sea salt aerosols in the atmosphere via molecular catalysts and iron containing molecules in space to functional polymers.
We are member of the FWF Doctoral Programme Atoms, Light and Molecules – DK ALM.