The Max-Born-Institute develops, applies and provides femtosecond laser systems in a broad spectral range. A variety of sources for coherent, ultrashort light pulses are currently being explored, typically based on commercial and home built Ti:Sapphire lasers, but also on new laser materials. The use of nonlinear optical techniques such as harmonic generation, four wave mixing and parametric processes gives access to wavelengths ranging from the VUV (~100nm) up to the IR (~10µm) with pulse durations from 500fs to about 20 fs. Among the experimental techniques used with these laser systems are pump-(delayed)-probe methods, transient spectroscopy, impulsive Raman spectroscopy, molecular and cluster beams, UHV-surface analysis etc.

It belongs to the mission of the MBI to offer these facilities to external users who are interested in research collaborations with members of the MBI. A broad field of disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies is addressed, ranging from atomic, molecular and chemical physics to biology, materials science, liquids, polymers and semiconductors.

Since femtosecond laser systems in combination with the necessary measuring techniques are complex and delicate their smooth and efficient performance requires special expertise and continuity of operation. Thus, MBI staff will be responsible for operating the laser systems and other experimental apparatus provided by the institute. Typically, guest scientists will bring an idea, a specific skill, a particular target or detector and work together with staff members of the MBI in one of several laboratories. A variety of different laser systems are already in use and available for applications. Other systems are still being developed and allow presently only a very specialised and restricted access for external users. The MBI also reserves a few preparation laboratories for external users as well as some office space.

Call for proposals