GRK Colloquium: Dr. Anna Rosławska
2026-01-23 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/Berlin)
Single-molecule optics with atomic precision

Atomic Scale Optics, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart, Germany

Luminescence, photosynthesis, and energy harvesting rely on processes originating at the spatial scale of individual molecules. Investigating the details of these mechanisms requires reaching subnm precision in optics, which becomes possible by combining optical spectroscopy with scanningprobe microscopy. In my talk, I will discuss how atomic-scale optics can be used to study the optical properties of single molecules and to drive photochemistry with sub-nm precision.

Venue: RUN Auditorium

GRK Colloquium:Prof. Dr. Renske van der Veen
2026-01-30 14:00 - 15:00
Fast electrons and hard X-rays for unraveling atomic-scale dynamics in light-energy conversion

Department Atomic-Scale Dynamics in Light-Energy Conversion, Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin

The increasing demand for renewable and low-cost energy motivates intensive research aimed at characterizing and optimizing materials that can efficiently convert (sun) light into usable energy in the form of electricity or chemical fuels. Conventional characterization techniques either lack the spatial resolution necessary to resolve individual atoms, or they lack the temporal resolution required to capture structural rearrangements as they evolve. Our group develops complementary X-ray and electron-based tools to visualize light-induced processes in materials on atomic length and time scales. In this talk I will introduce you to the techniques of ultrafast/time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy and provide several examples of how these techniques can be used in the fields of solar energy and catalysis.

Venue: RUN Auditorium
