Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter

03/02 Collisions cause spontaneous organization of microtubules

2010/04

The specific growth direction of plant cells is determined to a large extent by the orientation of what are known as 'microtubules' in the cells. These sturdy little tubes of tubulin proteins form a highly-ordered structure perpendicular to the direction of growth. Researchers at the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter’s Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics (FOM AMOLF) have shown how this structure organizes and maintains itself. Although the tubes can grow and shrink in all directions, a form of Darwinian selection takes place. Read more

02/11 Kobus Kuipers elected OSA Fellow

For his outstanding role in his research field, AMOLF group leader professor Kobus Kuipers has been elected as Fellow of the Optical Society of America (OSA). Read more

21/10 Uncovered: The essential structure of waves close to the transition point

2009/19

Waves usually diffuse through random materials. This fact allows light to travel through thick clouds and electrons to conduct through metals. But disorder can sometimes bring wave propagation to a complete halt. Read more

21/10 Mechanical feedback triggers switching of a molecular motor

Researchers of the FOM-institute Amolf have developed a mathematical model that can explain the preference of a bacterial motor to switch its rotation direction after a fixed period of 0.2 to 0.3 seconds. Read more

21/10 Plasma experts improve detection method for wall erosion in fusion reactor

Researchers from FOM-Rijnhuizen have refined the calibration of the standard procedure to measure wall erosion in future fusion reactors. Read more

14/10 New issue of FOM expres

The latest issue of the information bulletin FOM expres is out. Read more

07/10 Successful Dutch meeting on Molecular and Cellular Biophysics

Poster Dutch meeting on Molecular and Cellular Biophysics 2009

On 28 and 29 September 2009 the annual Dutch meeting on Molecular and Cellular Biophysics was held at NH Koningshof in Veldhoven. Read more

02/10 Nanoneedle probes magnetic field of light

Figuur 1. An optical nano probe is scanned over a photonic nanostructure

A team of AMOLF scientists, together with LioniX BV, has developed a sensor that can make the magnetic field of light visible. The magnetic field itself is very difficult to detect because it has almost no interaction with matter. Read more

29/09 Attosecond laser pulses see molecules vibrate for the first time

Researchers at the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics (FOM Institute AMOLF), in cooperation with groups in Milan (Italy), Lund (Sweden) and Paris (France), have used laser pulses lasting only a few hundred attoseconds to observe and study vibrations in hydrogen, the fastest vibrating molecule. Read more

07/09 Niek Lopes Cardozo appointed new Chair of the FOM Board of Governors

2009/18

The FOM Board of Governors has appointed Professor N.J. (Niek) Lopes Cardozo as the new Chairman of the Board of Governors and of the Executive Board of FOM. In addition, the Governing Board of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has appointed Lopes Cardozo as member and Chair of the Subfield of Physics. Read more

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