Introduction
The "Institut für Festkörperforschung" (IFF) is devoted to research on condensed matter. Topics span from the physics and chemistry of liquids, via membranes, clusters, surfaces and thin films to homogeneous and inhomogeneous bulk solids. The IFF has a department structure consisting of 9 institutes and service groups. It's wide spectrum of experimental facilities and individual expertise enable the IFF to successfully tackle complex problems in close collaboration between preparative, experimental and theoretical groups. Specialized laboratories and facilities exist for preparation of polymers and ceramics or the growth of thin films and bulk single crystals. Besides standard methods for characterization, highly sophisticated techniques are available and constantly further developed such as ultra high resolution electron microscopy, neutron- and synchrotron x-ray scattering or fsec laser spectroscopy. Characteristic for an institute of the HGF (Hermann von Helmholtz Association of National Research Centers) is the fact that the IFF builds, operates and makes available to external users the neutron scattering instruments at the research reactor FRJ-2. Last but not least, the IFF has a long tradition in teaching and training of young researchers, not only through the approximately 30 IFF scientists teaching at universities, but in particular through the Spring Schools of the IFF and the annual Neutron Laboratory Course.
This annual report is intended to inform the international scientific community, including our scientific advisory board, about the scientific activities at the IFF during the past year. We have attempted to present a typical cross section through the research done at IFF, including scientific highlights as well as results of long term developments, for example the construction of new large scale instruments. I hope you will enjoy learning about our activities.
During the last few years, the IFF has seen a very significant restructuring, where out of originally 10 institutes, 5 institutes were closed and 4 institutes were formed focussing on new research fields. In 1997 the "Institute for Electroceramic Materials" and the "Institute for Scattering Methods" were created, followed by the "Institute Theory II" ("Complex Fluids and Soft Matter Research") in 1998. Finally, in January 2000, Prof. Jan Dhont joined the department to set up his activities in "Soft Matter Research". Now, with three out of nine institutes ("Neutron Scattering" (polymer research), "Theory II" and "Soft Matter Research") working in this field, it constitutes one of the main pillars of the IFF and provides attractive possibilities for cooperation within the research center itself.
The year 2000, as the first year of the new Millennium, was proclaimed "Jahr der Physik" ("Year of Physics") by the German federal government. Prof. Müller-Krumbhaar took a leading role in organizing the presentation of the accomplishments in condensed matter science to the broad public and many scientists of the IFF enjoyed the experience of explaining and discussing their research results during the exhibition "Stein der Weisen" in the "Bundeshaus" in Bonn. The communication within the scientific community reflects the productivity of the IFF with 310 publications, of which 256 articles were published in refereed journals, and a total of 346 external talks of which 245 were invited. The IFF continued to provide top candidates for faculty positions: Dr. S. Blügel received a call for a C3 professorship for Theoretical Physics at the University of Osnabrück, Dr. C. Carbone left the IFF to take up a position at the National Research Council in Trieste, Italy, and Prof. Dr. W. Eberhardt was offered a faculty position at the Technical University of Berlin and as scientific director of the BESSY GmbH. The international scientific recognition of the IFF is also expressed in prizes awarded to Prof. Dr. K. Urban (medal for Scientific Publishing of the German Physical Society) and Prof. R. Waser (Ferroelectrics Recognition Award of the IEEE) among other honors.
In view of the many and varied accomplishments of the year 2000, the IFF has had a good start into the new millennium. As long as the scientific freedom is preserved and room is left for true innovation, we can look optimistically into the future.
Th. Brückel
Managing Director 2001