Controlled Molecule Imaging

Unraveling the Structure‑Function Relationship in the Molecular Sciences

We develop innovative methods to obtain full control over large molecules and nanoparticles. These methods and the created controlled samples are exploited in fundamental physics and chemistry studies to unravel the underlying mechanisms of chemistry and biology by watching molecules at work.

Highlights

Jingxuan He Successfully Defended PhD Thesis

29 June 2026

Congratulations to Dr. Jingxuan He on the successful defence of her PhD thesis, "Controlled Beams of Cryo-Cooled Proteins."

Viruses under stress: how viral shells change shape as they dry out

24 June 2026

X-ray laser snapshots reveal a “buckling” behaviour that might help protect the viral genome. When viruses travel through the air in tiny droplets, they can quickly start to dry out. Yet many viruses remain infectious after rehydration—something that is still not fully understood. Now, an international team of researchers, including the CMI COMOTION team, have directly observed how the protein shells of viruses can change shape during dehydration at the European XFEL. This offers new clues to viral resilience and opening new possibilities for virology research. The results, published in Light: Science & Applications, lay the groundwork for potential applications in virology and public health, and can for instance help developing antiviral strategies.

Doctoral Promotion Hubertus Bromberger

08 June 2026

On 8 June 2026, Hubertus Bromberger successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at the University of Hamburg on "Advanced photoelectron- and ion-imaging for chemical-dynamics studies"