Optical Sciences

Biomolecules and nanostructures

The Optical Sciences group studies the interaction of light and matter at the nanoscale. We do this by exploring ways to shape light and its environment. It's what we call active and passive control. Our current focus is on the interaction of light with biomolecules and nanostructures. We are part of Twente University's Department of Science and Technology and member of the MESA+ institute.
We participate in the EU-COST actions MP1102: Coherent Raman microscopy (MicroCor) and CM1202: Supramolecular photocatalytic water splitting (PERSPECT-H2O)

  

Research topics

Our research is currently organised in the following topics:

Active Control


active control Active control of the amplitude and phase of femtosecond light pulses allows us to create optical melodies. Such tailored pulse shapes can be fine tuned to specific electronic and vibrational response of a molecule to control its behavior in real time. We are pursuing applications in spectroscopy, medical diagnostics or treatment and the optimization of solar cell materials.
Current projects:

Passive Control


passive control The direct (nano-)environment of a molecule influences its interaction with light. Collective (plasmon) oscillations can be excited on structured surfaces, decay can be enhanced or delayed and light can be made to refract in extraordinary ways in the right combination of materials. We design and create these environments, and then study the light and molecules within them.
Current projects:

Technology Development


technology development The creation of nanostructures, the control of fields with interferometric precision and the detection of the emission of single molecules requires state of the art technology. We develop this technology to create the smallest structures and most sensitive detection, for the benefit of our own research and others in the MESA+ institute.
Current projects:

Former Projects


Printable version