Molecular Photonics
The Molecular Photonics group aims to advance the fundamental knowledge of the dynamics of excited states in molecules and nano-sized objects, and to contribute with its expertise to applications of the photosciences.
"Light-induced chemical conversions play a key role in many technological and biological processes - the most important of all being photosynthesis", says professor Wybren Jan Buma, who leads the group together with professor Fred Brouwer. "Understanding the interaction of light and molecular matter is therefore highly significant."
Brouwer explains that the group adressess questions regarding the energies necessary to excite a molecule and the effect of the absorption of energy on the structure and properties of molecules. "In particular we ask ourselves whether we can use the interaction with light to design new molecules with pre-programmed properties. And of course we would like to understand how and why nature uses very specific light-active molecules."
Internationally recognized experts
According to the group leaders the HIMS Molecular Photonics Group is unique within the Netherlands because it combines the skills of internationally recognized experts in molecular synthesis, spectroscopy and theory. They think their group is is in an excellent position to be competitive at an international level.
Buma mentions the participation of the group in the Institute for Lasers,
Life and Biophotonics Amsterdam, a joint initiative with research groups
from VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam Medical Center and VU University Medical
Center. This so-called 'LaserLaB Amsterdam' is part of LASERLAB-Europe, the
European Union funded consortium of the 17 major laser centers in Europe.
Molecular Photonics also has an active role in the Dutch National Research
Programme Towards BioSolar Cells and is partner of the Centre of
Research Excellence Quantitative multidimensional imaging for individualized
treatment (QUANTIVISION), part of the New Instruments for Healthcare
initiative of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research NWO.