The ILM is a multidisciplinary centre of excellence based on the synergy between physics, chemistry and their interfaces (engineering, biology, health, environment). The research takes place at multiple scales: from molecules to materials, from optics to nanosciences. The ILM develops competences and tools to produce materials and to study of their optical, electronic, mechanical, thermal and rheological properties.
The ILM pursues 6 avenues of research:
- Nanobio, health and environment: Using cutting-edge techniques (optical spectroscopy, electronics, mass; microscopy) for the study of biological objects (molecules, cells, tissue, nano-objects).
- Liquids and interfaces: Understanding and controlling the properties of liquids and surface phenomena to produce unexpected behaviours.
- Functional materials and the optics of materials: Creating and characterising functional materials with innovative optical, magnetic, thermal and acoustic properties.
- Nanosciences, nanomaterials, nano-optics: Developing new techniques to understand and create nanomaterials (nanotubes, graphene, nanoparticles etc.), the engines of future technological revolutions.
- Spectroscopy and molecular dynamics: Studying molecules (diatomic structures through to complex edifices) using experimental tools or varied and high-performance modelling.
- Theory and modelling: Offering a range of unique theoretical competences and tools: statistical physics, molecular simulations and advanced digital methods.
Fields of application
The ILM is developing interdisciplinary research at the frontier of scientific innovation in fields ranging from synthesis to characterisation, from the nanometric scale to macroscopic scale.
- Biotechnologies, health
- Aeronautics, transport
- Micro, nanotechnologies
- Complex fluids
- Luminescent materials
- Lighting, visualisation, telecommunication, laser, photovoltaics, optical sensors
- Building and new technologies
- Analysis of atmospheric trace and surface aerosols.
