Molecules on Surfaces as Photon Emitters

The aim of the project is to investigate and control the fluorescence of organic molecules adsorbed on microscopically smooth and clean surfaces of wide band gap materials (dielectrics). This should include a microscopic understanding of the adsorption geometry of the molecules and the morphology of molecular aggregates, e.g., islands, clusters, and films. The objectives are: (a) to understand the specific physical mechanisms which determine the luminescence of molecules on such a surface, (b) to establish fluorescence spectroscopy as a tool to follow kinetic process of adsorbed molecules on surfaces (e.g., surface diffusion, rotation, formation of aggregates), and (c) to couple the fluorescence to structured dielectric substrates, e.g. microcavities made of dielectric materials (together with Project C2). Suitable wide band gap materials are, e.g., metal oxides (Al2O3,MgO).

DFG Programme Research Units

Subproject of FOR 557:  Light Confinement and Control with Structured Dielectrics and Metals