Division Molecular Physics
The Division of Molecular Physics (FV MO) of the DPG organizes scientists working on the structure and dynamics of molecules and their interactions. Advanced experimental and theoretical methods are applied to obtain a detailed understanding of complex quantum systems. Due to the strong interdisciplinary orientation of molecular physics, scientists from other fields, e.g., biology, chemistry as well as mathematicians and computer scientists participate in the research.
The Molecular Physics Division of the German Physical Society (DPG) is a platform for all scientists who are interested in the structure and dynamics of molecules. The experimental studies are mainly performed with laser spectrocopy, the theoretical ones with sophisticated computer assisted methods. Due to the strongly interdisciplinary character of molecular physics, not only physicists contribute to the field, but also scientists from others natural sciences like chemists.
The following topics, for example, are investigated:
- How does the transition from atom to solids evolve
- From the atom to liquids: searching for an accurate description of intermolecular forces
- Microscopic investigations on biologic relevant molecules
- Cold molecules
- Reaction and energy transfer in molecules and fluids
- Photoionisation
The following experimental techniques, among others, are used:
- Determination of energy-level structures by high resolution spectroscopy
- Time resolved measurement: Femto- and attosecond spectroscopy and atomic-scale imaging
- Theoretical methods to calculate potentials, quantum states, and wavepackets
- Laser microscopy, e.g., single molecule spectroscopy
The Molecular Physics Division is a member of the Section "Atoms, Molecules, Optics and Plasma Physics" (SAMOP).
The FV Molekülphysik has about 1000 active members.