Scientific report

Optical Properties of Coupled Semiconductor and Metallic Nanoparticles
International Workshop -- July 21 - 25, 2008

Scientific Coordinators:
Alexander Eychmüller (Technische Universität Dresden, Germany)
Alexander O. Govorov (Ohio University, USA)
Ulrike Woggon (Universität Dortmund, Germany)

Organisation:
Katrin Lantsch (MPIPKS Dresden, Germany)

The OPCSMN08 workshop brought together about 100 researchers from Europe, US, Canada and India working in the field of optical properties of self-assembled quantum dots, colloidal nanoparticles and metallic nanostructures. In a very productive scientific environment provided by the MPIPKS an interested mixture of young upcoming and established senior scientists enjoyed exciting discussions and exchange of ideas. During the five days of the workshop the participants could listen lectures given by highly recognized speakers from the field of theoretical physics, solid state physics, physical chemistry, ultrafast spectroscopy, and photonic engineering.

The central theme of the Workshop was many-body interactions in nanostructures. Now it is an extremely "hot" field of research, due to both new fundamental physics and applications. The concrete topics touched by the workshop were, e.g., different coupling and interaction phenomena in the area of quantum dot -- quantum dot coupling and nanocrystal molecules, quantum dot-photon coupling, coupling of nanoparticles in assemblies (semiconductor/ metal/ molecule/ nanotubes/ supercrystals), quantum dot/exciton - plasmon coupling, and Coulomb interactions of charged carriers, excitons and multiexcitons.

Young scientists presented their results in short invited talks, posters or acted as session chairs during the lively scientific discussion. For some of the young participants, this was their first invited talk or session-chair role. In this way, the Workshop promoted young active scientists.

The participants used also a chance to contact and visit the researchers of the MPIPKS, the Chemistry Department of the TU Dresden and of the Institute for Solid State and Materials Research. On the other hand, since the Workshop was open to public, nonregistered visitors from several German institutions (local and other cities) used the opportunity to attend the lectures and to get involved in the scientific atmosphere during the workshop.

Going back to their home institutions, all of us brought home new ideas, knowledge and information about cutting edge -- developments in the field of optics of coupled and interacting semiconductor and metal nanostructures. The Workshop has received many good responses from the participants.

We thank the local organizers, Katrin Lantsch and Dr. Sergei Flach, for their excellent organisation and support which was essential for the success of the workshop.

For further information please e-mail to: opcsmn08@mpipks-dresden.mpg.de