Experimental Physics - Nanophysics and Biophysics

The research of the Institute for Experimental Physics comprises cellular and molecular biophysics as well as polymer physics and nanooptics. The understanding of materials and cells at a molecular level is used to investigate the more complex systems of the cytoskeletons and of structured polymer materials.

The intermediate filaments in epithelian cells form a gel-like network. Atomic Force microscopy, particle tracking rheology and electron microscopy are combined to describe the materials. The mechanical response to stimuli is described in the framework of polymer physics and polymer rheology with the help of stochastic models.

We create polymer surfaces and bulk objects using advanced self organization methods. We investigate their properties using microscopes which probe  forces, adhesion, friction or the interaction with light.

Metallic nanoparticles exhibit plasmonic resonances. We investigate these nanooptical features using optical spectroscopy, time resolved studies and near field optics.

The research and teaching of the Institute for Experimental Physics is only possible because we developed new experimental methods.  Some of these methods are now commercialized by Witec GmbH, a company founded by three former members of the institute. Our research is funded by agencies of the Land Baden-Württemberg, by federal agencies such as the German Science Foundation and by companies.

The know how and the expertise are the basis of projects with and service for companies such as Dana, BASF, Bayer, BMW, Daimler-Chrysler and Wacker-Chemie.