

NOA - Nonlinear Optics down to Atomic scales
The Collaborative Research Center (CRC/SFB) 1375 "NOA – Nonlinear Optics down to Atomic scales" was established at the Friedrich Schiller University in July 2019, and is now running in its second funding phase until 2027.
The research program is focussing on exploring fundamental nonlinear processes of light-matter interaction in low-dimensional nanostructures, such as atomically thin layers, nanoparticles and -wires, nanostructured surfaces and molecular assemblies. NOA is exploring quantum phenomena as light-induced tunneling of electrons through metallic nanogaps and field-driven carrier acceleration in plasmonic nanostructures, atomic lattices and 2D-materials. This includes investigating the resulting back-action on the electromagnetic field, causing the generation of higher harmonics and information about the electronic wavefunctions involved in the interaction.