Clusters and nanoparticles are the focus of the research of Paul Scheier. These systems form a link between the gas phase and the condensed phases and provide a unique possibility to probe phase transitions as well as to build advanced materials with tailor made properties. Cluster formation via pickup of dopants into helium nanodroplets leads to structures similar to molecular films that grow on dust particles in the interstellar medium. Subsequent intra-cluster reactions triggered by electron or photon bombardment provide an unrivaled method to probe molecular synthesis in deep space. Fundamental problems in cluster physics as well as chemical processes at sub-Kelvin temperatures are key research themes of the group “Nano-Bio-Physics”.
