Vibrational Spectroscopy Beyond the Diffraction Limit

Our Research

We develop and apply label-free spectroscopic techniques to analyze chemically and biologically relevant systems at the nanometer scale. Our work focuses on optical near-field methods with extremely high spatial resolution, in particular tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) and nanoIR. The aim is to resolve chemical structures, molecular interactions, and dynamic processes with spatial resolution far below the classical diffraction limit.

A key research focus is the fundamental understanding of the resolution and sensitivity achieved in the optical near field. Experimental studies are complemented by theoretical and computational modeling of plasmonic near-field probes to describe the physical mechanisms of field localization and signal enhancement. This enables the targeted optimization of measurement concepts and the development of new spectroscopic approaches.

The Nanoscopy research department employs near-field techniques for highly spatially resolved chemical structural analysis of nanoscale objects, including (bio-)polymers and complex molecular systems such as viruses and fibrils. Label-free, non-destructive measurements allow the investigation of molecule–molecule interactions, transient processes, and catalytically active surfaces. Our work combines instrumental development, theoretical modeling, and application-oriented spectroscopy, providing methodological foundations for nanoscale analysis in chemistry, biology, and materials science.

Prof. Dr. Volker Deckert

Head of Department
+49 3641 206113
Volker.Deckert@leibniz-ipht.de

Katharina Marquardt

Assistant
+49 3641 206531
katharina.marquardt@leibniz-ipht.de

Research Focus Areas

Optical Near-Field &
TERS Spectroscopy

Development and application of label-free optical near-field techniques, in particular TERS, for vibrational spectroscopy beyond the diffraction limit

Nanoscale Chemical &
Biological Structural Analysis

Highly spatially resolved analysis of biomolecules, polymers, and molecule–molecule interactions at the nanometer scale

Plasmonic Effects,
Dynamics & Catalysis

Investigation of plasmonically enhanced processes, including time-resolved nanospectroscopy and (plasmon-)catalyzed reactions

Collaborations and Networks

The Nanoscopy research department is embedded in national and international research networks and works closely with partners from chemistry, physics, materials science, and the life sciences. Our methodological developments in optical near-field and TERS spectroscopy contribute to cross-institutional research topics such as multiscale spectroscopy, nanoplasmonics, and biophotonic analytics.

At Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Prof. Deckert heads the Nanospectroscopy research group at the Institute of Physical Chemistry (IPC). We are actively involved in the Collaborative Research Centers TR 234 CataLight, SFB 1375 NOA, and SFB 1278 Polytarget, and contribute to the Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse. Here, nanospectroscopic methods support the analysis of molecular and microbial structures and their interactions, complementing imaging and spectroscopic approaches from other disciplines.

Within the Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), high-resolution, label-free nanospectroscopy contributes to the understanding of molecular processes at biologically relevant surfaces and structures in infection research. Through this networking, the research department strengthens the role of nanoscopy as a key methodology for the nanoscale analysis of complex chemical and biological systems.