Research Activities of the MoNOS Group

The two main research directions of the group, EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) and optical spectroscopy both stem from earlier studies of the photogenerated paramagnetic triplet state, either by regular EPR or by optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR). These two domains are now largely independent within the group, although collaborations are frequent.

Single-Molecule Optics

The single-molecule group (M. Orrit, E.J.J. Groenen) uses spectroscopy and microscopy to select and investigate individual molecules, either at cryogenic temperatures with high-resolution lasers, or at room temperature with confocal microscopes. A single molecule gives direct access to atomic and molecular scales. The main advantage of the method is the perfect elimination of all ensemble- or time-averages. The method has many potential applications in basic physical chemistry, material science, molecular biochemistry and biophysics.

Electronic Structure and Function by EPR

The EPR Group (P. Gast, E.J.J. Groenen, M. Huber) investigates the electronic structure and dynamics of (bio)molecules and paramagnetic centers in solids. The development of EPR instrumentation and methodology and the study of particular systems are entangled activities. Instrumental limitations that show up during the study of a specific centre initiate the development of new hardware. New hardware enables the study of systems not amenable by EPR before.

High-Resolution and Hole-Burning Spectroscopy

The hole-burning group (S. Völker) uses high-resolution spectroscopy to explore the structure and dynamics of complex systems. High-purity laser sources, combined with low temperatures select a sub-population of centres in the broad band of a large population. The recent activity of the group is centered on auto-fluorescent proteins, studied by conventional optical spectroscopy, spectral hole-burning and single molecule spectroscopy.