Absorption of light in a molecular system typically leads to formation of a correlated electron-hole pair with zero spin, called singlet exciton. If energetically allowed, this singlet exciton may eventually transform into two triplet excitons (with spin 1 each), thereby doubling the number of excited charge carriers. Singlet fission may therefore boost photovoltaic efficiency. The primary step of singlet fission is the ultrafast creation of a correlated triplet pair. Whereas several mechanisms have [more...]

The Max Planck Fellow Programme promotes cooperation between outstanding university professors and Max Planck Society researchers. The appointment of university professors as Max Planck Fellows is limited to a five-year period and also entails the supervision of a small working group at a Max Planck institute. Institutes have been able to apply for an extension to the funding period for Max Planck Fellows on a one-off basis since 2009. The option of a one-off extension also exists here. [more...]