The Institute of Solid State Research (IFF) conducts research on the physics of condensed matter in the solid and liquid state. Based on its investigations into bulk properties of condensed matter, the IFF is also devoted to inhomogeneous systems and phenomena with dimensional limitation. This concerns, in particular, the physics of cluster interfaces, thin films and membranes. Three strategic orientations can be differentiated here: phenomenon-oriented research, material-oriented research and method-oriented research.

The IFF has a departmental structure consisting of three theory institutes, six experimental institutes and joint facilities. The modern methods in the theory working groups as well as the wide range of experimental facilities and the expertise of permanent qualified staff enable the IFF to successfully tackle highly complex problems in condensed matter physics in close cooperation between groups concerned with preparation, experiment and theory.

Special facilities exist for the preparation of polymers and ceramics, for single crystal growing and thin film growth. The wide range of methods available is constantly further developed. Special R&D equipment and facilities include:

• the scattering and spectroscopy beam lines at international sources for neutron and synchrotron radiation, especially at the Jülich DIDO research reactor,
•  the special programs for using the large computer systems of Research Centre Jülich, which are developed for theoretical studies and particularly extensive numerical simulations in the theory groups,
• the centre for high-resolution electron microscopy
• the clean room
• fs spectroscopy.