Complex Materials
The research topic Complex Materials concentrates on
physical and chemical aspects of interfaces as well as bulk materials which are
crucial for the development of new materials Materials with restricted
dimensions or restricted structural order are in the centers of this
research. Included are aspects of the synthesis and characterization of
microsystems and disordered systems up to the technical realisation of
devices, machines, and reactors.
The topic under consideration combines research on fundamental
principles of relevance for materials with applied-oriented research.
Accordingly, strong cooperations with engineering disciplines as
materials science and microtechnology are necessary requirements to
ensure these claims. Partnerships to the Faculty of Mechanical
Engineering, to the Center for Microtechnologies, and the Center of
Microfabrication of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft offer best
preconditions.
Molecular Systems
The research topic Molecular Systems realizes an alliance
of physics and chemistry with other disciplines like nanotechnology and
photonics, which is rather unique to germany. It also includes applied laser
diagnostics and material manipulation.
In the Physics Institute, research follows conceptional combinations of
microscopy and spectroscopy while activities in the Institute of
Chemistry concentrates on the field of molecular reactivity.
Accumulation of single molecules to nanostructures is of central
importance. A Center of Nanomaterials and Analytics (nanoMA) has been
established. In addition, two junior-professorships have been installed,
one on Photonics and Optical Materials and the other one on Organic
Semiconductors, which developed close relations to Complex
Materials.
Scientific Modelling and Simulation
The research topic Scientific Modelling and Simulation is dominated by
methodical aspects, which are primarily dealt within the theoretical
groups. This topic is on advanced physical-mathematical concepts, as
well as on analytical methods, and based on these, on numerical methods.
It deals in particular with simulations which become more and more
important in natural- and engineering sciences. Moreover, it analyzes
mechanisms relevant for the functioning, modelling and simulation of
systems and materials, with an particular focus on systems of high
complexity.
The field of interest covers the full range from nanoscopic to
macroscopic systems. In particular, the consequences of disorder forms
an important bridge to the other research topics of our faculty. The
chemically and physically oriented research in this
theoretical-methodical research topic constitutes the basis for
widespread interdisciplinary cooperations. The topic has a strong
interdisciplinary character expressed on different levels by
cooperations with engineers, mathematicians, and computer scientists at
the Chemnitz University of Technology. With this interdisciplinary
strategy the Chemnitz University of Technology holds an exceptional
position within the German Science Community. Finally, the research
topic Scientific Modelling and Simulation provides the scientific base
for the Computational Science Programme at the Chemnitz University of
Technology.
Sensing and Cognition
The research focus „Sensing and Cognition“ addresses the interaction of humans and
technology from the perspective of a large variety of scientific disciplines. Based
on this research, human-technology interfaces are designed and optimized with an
eye on their respective sensory and cognitive capabilities. This interdisciplinary
approach includes the development of novel chemical and physical sensors as well as
research on human information acquisition and processing. A sound understanding of
human perception (sensing) and information processing (cognition) informs the adequate
preprocessing, representation and display of technical sensor data for efficient
processing by the user. It also serves as model for the increasingly autonomous
decision-making and planning by “cognitive” technical systems. The expertise at
Chemnitz University of Technology in these areas is brought together at the
Center for Sensing and Cognition lead
by the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and is and taught in the
Sensors and Cognitive Psychology study programme.