Wolfgang Christen

Precision Studies of Nanometer Scale Particles in the Gas Phase Contact Information: How to get in touch with us Curriculum Vitae of Wolfgang Christen Publications: Publications, invited talks, and presentations of our group Open Positions: If you are studying physics or chemistry and are interested in the fascinating field of cluster science you should check here Group Seminar Teaching: Lectures Research Interests: Physical Chemistry at the Nanometer Scale We study the generation and properties of nanometer-size particles in the gas phase. We employ supersonic jet expansions to grow neutral or charged clusters from a large variety of fluids such as H2O, CO, CO2, C2H6, C3H8,... and with sizes from 2 up to 106 molecules per particle, corresponding to radii of up to 20 nm. In an ultrahigh-vacuum environment these clusters serve as well defined, wall-free test tubes that can serve, e.g., as model aerosols. Advanced analytical, mass spectrometric, and surface science techniques are combined for the exploration of fundamental processes such as homogeneous and heterogeneous condensation, collision-induced and metastable dissociation or evaporation, solubility, ion-molecule, molecule-surface, and cluster-surface reactions. Experimental studies are complemented by model calculations and supported by a continued development of suitable measurement techniques, aiming at an improved comprehension of processes at the nanometer scale.