The Institute of Thin Films and Interfaces (ISG) combines transdisciplinary research in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, semiconductor and superconductor technology as well as device physics. In particular, the scientific foundations are laid for a combination of highly selective chemico-biological processes with the physical and materials science aspects of laterally and vertically nanostructured thin-film systems and semiconductor electronics. Interfacial phenomena of all kinds naturally play a central role. Devices and sensors emerging from research are developed up to the demonstrator stage. The research concept as a whole aims at fruitful interdisciplinarity and the successful combination of knowledge-oriented basic research with application-oriented research and development.

 ISG-1 deals with three ranges of topics in the field of semiconductor thin films and devices. The development of Si-based "extended" MOS field-effect transistors with gate lengths below 50 nm is intended to extend the technological limits of current CMOS technology. Material and process developments for group-III-nitride film systems (AlGaN) are pursued with a view to fast power electronics (HEMT). Novel device concepts, above all on the basis of quantum effects, are being developed and explored.

ISG-2 deals with topics from the fields of bio- and chemosensor technology, superconductivity and radio-frequency sensor technology. In the field of chemosensors, systems are being developed for the sensitive detection of gases and of ions and trace elements in aqueous environments. In the field of biosensors, the focus is on the functional coupling of biological systems with microelectronic devices. In the field of "superconductivity and radio-frequency sensor technology" emphasis is placed on investigations of superconducting film systems and devices for radio-frequency technology, magnetic field sensor technology and fast signal processing.

At ISG-3 the physical fundamentals of epitaxial growth, of the functionalization and the self-assembly of nanostructures in inorganic systems are explored. These activities comprise film systems produced both in ultrahigh vacuum and in electrolyte. For this purpose, a wide range of methodological tools are being used, some of them developed at the Institute.

ISG-4 is devoted to the investigation of the surface properties of living cells. In particular, the interplay between molecular architecture and mechanical properties, the self-assembly of the biomolecules into a hierarchical, nanostructured functional material and the interaction of cells with substrates are to be elucidated. These issue complexes are of major significance for the production of biofunctional materials, of biosensors and of biomimetic systems as well as for the understanding of many physiological and pathological processes such as embryonic development and tumour genesis