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
Novel corkscrew-laser technique can send molecules spinning rapidly about a selected axis
12 October 2018
Modified optical centrifuge has potential to open up new ways for the study of superrotors
First experiments at Europe's new x-ray laser reveal unknown structure of antibiotics killer
02 October 2018
DESY-led international collaboration obtains first scientific results from European XFEL
Water is not simply water: different chemical reactivity of para- and ortho-water
29 May 2018
Water molecules exist in two different forms with nearly identical physical properties. For the first time, researchers have now shown that these forms can exhibit different chemical reactivities. These results were reported by researchers from the University of Basel and their colleagues from DESY and the University of Hamburg in the scientific journal Nature Communications.
New Humanities Center for Advanced Studies "Imaginaria of Power"
28 March 2018
Muscle power, mental power or purchasing power – there is barely a field of cultural reflection that does not refer to power in its widest sense. The Humanities Centre for Advanced Studies “Imaginaria of Power” aims to systematically investigate the concept of power for the first time, thereby reconstructing a basic concept of art and cultural theory in dialogue with the natural sciences and science history. This will involve investigation of biological, physical, socio-political, religious, economic and psychological forces.