Two research groups from the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) work closely together in Hierarchy.

Department of Molecular Materials
Prof. dr. Alan E. Rowan and Dr. Paul H.J. Kouwer
website: http://www.molchem.science.ru.nl/rowan/

The Molecular Materials group is a new group focussed on the construction of a variety of functional systems for application in the fields of catalysis (organic and inorganic), OFETS (organic field effect transistors) and OLEDS (organic LEDS), liquid crystals optoelectronic, conductive and magnetic materials. The aim of the group is the design and synthesis of novel polymers, self-organizing molecules and ordered crystals and the subsequent investigate of their properties. The relationship between the molecular structure and architecture at the nanometer level and the material properties will be studied

Department of Spectroscopy of Solids and Interfaces
Prof. dr. Theo H.M. Rasing
Website: http://www.ru.nl/ssi/

In our group Spectroscopy of Solids and Interfaces (SSI) we study the relation between structure and properties of nanoscopic and molecular materials, with an emphasis on phenomena that accur on extremely small spatial dimensions (nanophysics) and very short time-scales (femtoseconds).

A number of different methods are used, like linear and nonlinear optical techniques and scanning probe methods that yield the necessary atomic and interface sensitivities, whereas also completed new experimental tools, such as magnetization-induced second-harmonic generation, ultrasensitive polarimetry methods with femtosecond time resolution and atom lithography are being developed. In addition, novel methods of nanofabrication are being exploited in collaboration with supramolecular chemistry groups within the IMM. A new challenge is to combine the unique properties of optics (high frequency and time resolution) with the unsurpassed spatial resolution of scanning probe methods.

Phenomena are studied under extreme or ideal conditions,like ultra-high vacuum and low temperature,as well as under quasi-realistic conditions,like ambient pressure and temperature, or in liquids.