Our research efforts focus on the ultrafast processes induced by energetic particle and photon interactions with matter ranging from single atoms and (bio-)molecules via clusters to surfaces. We aim at unveiling

• the primary electron dynamics occurring on femtosecond timescales and
• the subsequent structural and functional changes.

The knowledge obtained is applied in fields such as nanolithography, advanced material science, space research, mass spectrometry and radiotherapy.

The research has a strong instrumentation development component. For our experiments with ions we operate the ZERNIKE-LEIF facility centered around our highly-charged ion source. The photon work is performed at synchrotrons or Free Electron Lasers.