As of January 1, 2008, the German Research Foundation is setting up ten new special research sections (SFBs). They will receive a total of 74.4 million euros in funding over the next four years and an additional 20-percent lump sum each to cover the indirect the costs of their research projects. One of the new research sections will focus on developing a high-brilliance laser ...

The objective of SFB 787 "Semiconductors - Nanophotonics: Materials, Models, Components" is to develop a new type of photonic and nanophotonic components made from various materials.

Scientists from Berlin and Magdeburg who deal with material research, creating models and manufacturing and characterizing components are involved in the project. Combining these three complementary research disciplines in a single research section brings together experts who specialize in theory with those from experimental practice to work on answering fundamental scientific and application-oriented questions.

The long-term objective of SFB 787: to produce the highest possible frequencies and ultrashort pulses using laser diodes and semiconductor amplifiers and to realize high-brilliance lasers in the infrared to green spectral range.

The German Research Foundation's other new SFBs are researching infections in the brain, the distribution of oxygen in tropical oceans and nanostructures in the macroworld. Other topics include the neurobiological foundations of behavior, cycle management in innovative processes and the development of new types of components.

As of the beginning of 2008, the German Research Foundation is subsidizing a total of 259 special research sections (SFBs). During 2008, they will receive a total of 403 million euros as well as the 20-percent lump sum.

Additional information about the German Research Foundation's special research sections and SFB 787 "Semiconductors - Nanophotonics: Materials, Models, Components" is available at www.dfg.de/sfb.