Solid state physics is the study of how atoms arrange themselves into solids and what properties these solids have. By examining the arrangement of the atoms and considering how electrons move among the atoms, it is possible to understand many macroscopic properties of materials such as their elasticity, electrical conductivity, or optical properties. The Institute of Solid State Physics focuses on organic, molecular, and nanostructured materials. Often detailed studies of the behavior of these materials at surfaces are made. Our research provides the foundation for important advances in technology such as energy efficient lighting, solar cells, electronic books, environmental sensors, and medical sensors.

Doping molecular wires

Paper Strength

Bottom-up circuits

Tattoo electrodes

GCP Physics Colloquium Summer 2026
Tuesday 19 May 2026      TUG HS P2

Ultrafast Dynamics in Complex Molecular Systems: From Biomolecules to Strong Light Matter Interactions
Prof. Henrike Müller-Werkmeister, University Potsdam, from 01.09.26: Graz University of Technology (PTC)

Abstract: In my talk, I will give a broad overview on work of the group using ultrafast spectroscopy, mainly 2D-IR, and diffraction experiments at XFELs or with ultrafast electrons to study complex molecular systems from femtoseconds onwards.

Examples will include biophysical studies on biomimetic and intrinsically disordered systems, carbohydrates, and enzymes [1-3]. Further, I will highlight work on solid state molecular materials [4-5] and our most recent results on molecules under strong coupling conditions, i.e. studies of vibropolaritons.

1) Gasse et al., J. Chem. Phys. 161 (19): 195101, 2024
2) Stensitzki et al., 10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-j5szt
3) Mehrabi et al. Science 365 (6458), 1167-1170, 2019
4) Jiang et al. Nat. Commun. 15, 4604, 2024
5) D. Vinci et al. Nat. Commun. 16, 2043, 2025.