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EXC 2056:  CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter

Subject Area Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
Condensed Matter Physics
Physical Chemistry
Term since 2019
Website Homepage
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 390715994
 
Our world consists of atoms and molecules in different forms of matter. One of the greatest and most exciting challenges for fundamental science is to understand and manipulate their microscopic processes, with significant relevance for modern technology-driven societies. The mission of this cluster is not only to image but also control the quantum processes in atoms, molecules, and condensed matter at the ultimate time and length scales. This allows us to create matter with new functionalities of enormous impact, such as novel quantum materials and designer proteins, and speed up drug screening. We will manipulate the quantum behaviour of condensed matter to achieve ultrafast electronic switching, e.g. in low-dimensional solids, and to stabilise light-induced room-temperature superconductivity. In a similar vein, we aim to control molecular function to favour or suppress new reaction pathways inaccessible to standard reactions. An equally far-reaching vision involves the design of nanoparticle assemblies that can efficiently collect light to activate reactions e.g. for medical therapies and hydrolysis in energy storage. Finally, we will combine our advanced imaging capabilities with artificial intelligence protocols to reconstruct the dynamics of proteins as they support the macromolecular machinery of life. The Cluster of Excellence AIM combines unique expertise in quantum technologies, ultrafast and X-ray science, condensed matter, and nanoscience, both in theory and experiment, in a team of early-career and senior scientists from Hamburg and international partners. The young scientists are crucial for the cluster’s mission. We have expanded our talent pool by greatly improving gender representation and attracting internationals. All members are committed to our award-winning best practices in equity and diversity. Excellence in research, interlinked with the training of the next generation of leaders in this vital research field, is the central goal of the cluster. Consequently, we will invest more than 80% of the funding in our early career scientists. All cluster members will benefit from Hamburg’s exceptional infrastructure, including an unparalleled suite of light sources, and the strong partnership between researchers from the University of Hamburg, the Helmholtz Centre DESY, the Max Planck Society and the European XFEL GmbH. The cluster will transfer its exciting results into new applications by fostering start-ups through our new incubators and initiating novel product developments with industry. We will extend our award-winning science communication formats. The cluster AIM-II is based on the outstanding results achieved in the current cluster AIM-I with e.g. more than 950 papers published, including more than 110 in Science, Nature and Nature family. Now, with a new team we will go far beyond the current goals and we will use our unique position to transform deep fundamental insight into novel tailor-made functionality.
DFG Programme Clusters of Excellence (ExStra)
Applicant Institution Universität Hamburg
 
 

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