Light Utilised Molecular Interaction Nanoscopy

Ziel

Programming matter on the scale of individual atoms and molecules is the Holy Grail of nanotechnology. Chemical reactions—whether beneficial, like drug synthesis, or harmful, like DNA strand breakage—are governed by charge transfer processes at the single-molecule level. Scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) offers a unique platform to initiate and probe these reactions in atomically controlled environments. Yet, even under ideal conditions, control over reaction outcomes remains limited to setting initial excitation parameters, leaving the rest to probabilistic evolution.

LUMIN aims to achieve a step-change in the precision of reaction control precision by accessing and influencing the molecular dynamics as they unfold. Through a combination of STM, photon correlation techniques, and high-throughput automation, the project will probe all stages of the DIET (dynamics induced by electronic transitions) cycle. This includes tuning excited-state lifetimes and developing new experimental handles to steer reaction pathways beyond initial excitation.

To prove the principle, I will map the energy landscape and dynamics of a test range of reactions with sub-molecular resolution. Optical techniques will be used to interrogate excited states and extract ultrafast timing information. Reaction outcomes will be benchmarked against quantum chemical simulations to assess the predictive power of theory.

LUMIN will create a new paradigm for manipulating molecular reactions, unlocking deterministic control over processes previously governed by chance. This versatile approach will deepen our fundamental understanding of chemical dynamics and pave the way for applications in quantum technologies, catalysis, and molecular electronics.

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