Nuclear and Electronic Dynamics of Microsolvated Biomolecules and Nanoparticle-Biomolecule Hybrid Systems driven by Tailored Laser Fields

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Roland Mitric
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2008 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 77534479

In this theoretical project we will explore and control the coupled electron-nuclear dynamics of microsolvated biomolecules and of biomolecules interacting with metal clusters in the non-scalable size regime where adding or removing of a single atom can give rise to novel properties. The aim is to gain understanding of laser driven multistate dynamics in biomolecules interacting with different environments and to provide a theoretical basis for the design of new functional biochromophores and nanocluster based biochips. For this purpose we will exploit the unique size selective optical and photoemission properties of noble metal clusters combined with the biorecognition and functionality of biomolecules. Furthermore, the optimal control by tailored laser fields will be developed and established as a tool for the enhancement of the biomolecular response involved in bioanalytical applications. Three closely related topics will be investigated: A) exploration and control of photodynamics in microsolvated biochromophores, B) theoretical design of hybrid nanocluster-biomolecule based fluorescent biochips, and C) high harmonic generation (HHG) as probe for nuclear dynamics in nanocluster-biomolecule hybrid systems.

• DFG Programme: Independent Junior Research Groups
• Major Instrumentation: Shared memory processor Rechner mit 32 Prozessoren
• Instrumentation Group: 7070 Arbeitsplatzrechner, Personalcomputer