Steering chemical reactivity by non-local energy transfer via strong light-matter interaction (A04)

• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas ; Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 510943930

This project aims to establish a microscopic understanding of energy transfer under vibrational strong coupling (VSC) conditions, to steer chemical reactivity. We suggest that the delocalized nature of vibropolaritons allows manipulating reaction kinetics by opening a channel for long-range energy transfer. This hypothesis will be investigated using advanced Raman micro-spectroscopy techniques and ultrafast transient IR and 2D-IR spectroscopy. The experimental efforts will be complemented by theoretical modelling of the electromagnetic mode landscape and the energy transfer.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1636: Elementary Processes of Light-Driven Reactions at Nanoscale Metals
• Major Instrumentation: Camera
• Instrumentation Group: 5430 Hochgeschwindigkeits-Kameras (ab 100 Bilder/Sek)
• Applicant Institution: Universität Potsdam
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Carsten Henkel; Dr. Wouter Koopman; Professorin Dr. Henrike Müller-Werkmeister