Our paper on “Single-, double-, and triple-slit diffraction of molecular matter waves” was selected as a “Featured” article by the American Journal of Physics and is on the cover of the December 2021 issue.
New publication in the Journal of Molecular Structure
Interactions between electronic states are omnipresent in nature as without them no chemical reaction can take place. But even when they do not lead to a reaction, their coupling can strongly influence the behaviour of a molecule after absorbing a photon. In the latest publication, we look into such an interaction between the two lowest excited singlet states of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Making use of the high sensitivity of rotationally resolved electronic spectroscopy to changes in electronic structure, we observe traces of couplings even if the two coupling states are energetically far apart.
Few-slit diffraction with molecules
In matter-wave diffraction, we use the laws of optics to describe the behaviour of delocalized matter, be it electrons, atoms, or molecules. This entails a number of questions, such as: How do I generate a matter wave in the first place? How good is this approach? And why should you be interested in something like this?
In our latest publication, we take a pedagogical look at molecular matter-wave diffraction through a single, a double, and a triple slit to answer these questions. To do this, we compare the results in detail to the diffraction of light and discuss the similarities as well as the differences.
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Official take-off for the Institute of Quantum Technologies
Quantum technologies may shape the future of our planet in many ways, affecting the way we communicate, the questions we pose, and the answers we give. Already now, quantum effects provide the highest precision for a number of applications in metrology and sensing. So the time has come to transfer this knowledge from fundamental research to industrial applications.
This is a key challenge, and starting with today’s official inauguration the Institute of Quantum Technologies is joining in to bridge the gap. To achieve this goal, we work in close cooperation with industry and universities on several topics to bring quantum technologies to a prototype stage. Whatever the future may bring, I’m thrilled to make it a bit more quantum.
A trailer showcasing the different departments of the institute can be found here.
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The morphology of doubly-clamped graphene nanoribbons
When you pull at the two ends of a scarf, folds start to build up in the fabric. When you do the same for a ribbon made of single-layer graphene, you get folds, scrolls or just a flat membrane. How these processes depend on the dimensions of the nanoribbons is discussed in our latest publication.
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Section Editor for Data in Brief
With the beginning of this year, I’ll work as a Section Editor for “Physics and Mathematics” at Data in Brief.
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Paper on Bragg diffraction selected as Editor’s Suggestion
Our paper on Bragg diffraction was selected as Editor’s Suggestion by Phys. Rev. Lett. and featured in a Synpsios in Physics.
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Bragg diffraction of large organic molecules
Image rights: Quantum Nanophysics Group/University of Vienna
Bragg diffraction is one of the main techniques used to split and recombine atomic matter-waves. In our latest publication we transfer this technique to complex and internally hot molecules. Why this is a big step towards more efficient beam splitters and mirrors is explained here.
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Publication in Optics Express
Our manuscript on measuring laser beam profiles using a cut multi-mode fiber was published in Optics Express.
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New preprint on a fiber-based beam profiler
How can you measure the width of a high-power laser 100 µm away from a mirror in ultra-high vacuum? Find the answer here!
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the delocalized chemist 