Scientific Report on the
International Workshop on

Nanoscale Assemblies of Semiconductor Nanocrystals, Metallic Nanoparticles and Single Molecules: Theory, Experiment, and Application (Nanosa15)

August 24 - 28, 2015

Scientific Coordinators:
Alexander Eychmüller (Technische Universität Dresden, Germany)
Alexander O. Govorov (Ohio University, USA)
Volkhard May (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany)
Organisation:
Katrin Lantsch (MPIPKS Dresden, Germany)

The Nanosa15 workshop focused on the theory and experiment of assemblies composed by semiconductor nano-crystals, metal nano-particles, molecules, bio-molecules and polymers. Nanosa15 brought together more than 80 scientists, both senior and beginners, from Europe, US, Canada and India. The meeting has covered cutting-edge research in the field of nanoscale physics with a strong inter-disciplinary character. A particular aim was to stimulate interactions and information exchange between theoretical and experimental experts working in this very dynamic field. The extremely productive scientific environment provided by the MPIPKS formed the ideal framework for this mutual interplay. During the five days of the workshop the participants could listen to lectures given by highly recognized speakers from solid state physics, from physical chemistry, from theoretical physics and also from theoretical chemistry. Two late afternoon sessions were dedicated to the discussion of the various posters. Young scientists could present their results in short invited talks or via posters. They took active part in the scientific discussion. This was the way the workshop promoted young active scientists. Another strong and productive side of this Workshop was its international character.

Nanosa15 addressed a multitude of questions on energy and charge transfer in nano-scale assemblies. Recent work has been presented on interfacial phenomena in hybrid systems with potential application in photovoltaics. Graphene nanocrystals were discussed and excitons and plasmons appearing in assemblies of nanocrystals could be described. One particular session was dedicated to recent advances in plasmonics. A specific subject was the discussion of the different facets of aerogels. This went along with the consideration of functional nano-materials including catalytic-, sensor- and bioapplications of nanocrystals. Most of the experimental questions which have been mentioned within the talks were confronted by modern theoretical and computational approaches to complex hybrid nanoscale systems as reported by other speakers.

Going back to their home institutions, all participants have been inspired by the exciting new ideas, the distributed knowledge and the specific information on cutting edge developments in the field of nanoscale assemblies. It is our particular pleasure to thank the local organizers, Katrin Lantsch and Dr. Ly Do, for their perfect organization of the meeting and the great support for its realization. This was very essential for the overall success of Nanosa15.