Research

Our main interest is the study of the structure and dynamics of molecules and molecular adducts. In recent years the investigation of the conformational behavior of biomolecules has received a considerable impulse from the development of new spectroscopic techniques that combine rotational spectroscopy and supersonic jets. Supersonic jets provide an isolated environment in which the conformational behavior of molecules with chemical, atmospheric, astrochemical or biological interest can be unveiled using rotational spectroscopy methods. Supersonic jets allow the formation of molecular complexes and other unstable species. The study of such molecular complexes leads to a deeper understanding of the association and recognition processes. Microsolvated molecules are an interesting class of adducts which represent the initial steps of the hydration process. These show the interplay between self-association and solvation and serve as models to probe solvation dynamics and the evolution of molecular properties from isolation to solvation. Microsolvated small biomolecules are important targets of research since they provide a better understanding of the solvent role in larger systems such as proteins for which water has a crucial structural role.