The institute
FEMTO's news

How to create a chemical bond with light?

The formation of a chemical bond between two molecules often requires an activation process. Light is a stimulus that is particularly interesting

Polymers obtained by on-surface chemistry have emerged as a class of promising materials. Here, we propose a new strategy to obtain self-assembled 1D polymers by using photochemical [2+2] cyclo-addition. The mechanism of the photochemical reaction is highlighted in the video. The light acts as an external stimulus, allowing the reaction between adjacent molecules to give the corresponding 1D polymers. The results are fully described in an open-access publication: https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12081334

This work is supported by ANR.

Watch the video

Contact : Frank Palmino

  • Launch of the European i-Nano-T project

    The Bourgogne Franche-Comté region is banking on regional scientific and industrial synergy to drive innovation in nanomedicine.

    Read more
  • National Hydrogen Thesis Award for Clotilde ROBERT!

    This award recognizes her work on optimizing hydrogen-powered electric powertrains using a novel approach that combines technological performance, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.

    Read more
  • I-PhD Innovation competition : Two winners from FEMTO-ST in 2025

    Valentin Reynaud (microforce metrology) andGaultier Gibey (predictive maintenance of hydrogen sytems) are the winners of this sixth edition of the national innovation competition .

    Read more
  • ZETA-SE : A new start-up born out of the work of FEMTO-ST

    Founded in late July 2025, the company offers customized anti-vibration solutions for industry.

    Read more
  • RÉESPIRATION Project: When art breathes to the rhythm of science and medicine

    An interactive work of art born of an unprecedented dialogue between artists, carers and researchers to raise awareness of breathing and its calming power

    Read more
  • Fiber optic sensors: a technological leap thanks to quantum photon counting

    Researchers at FEMTO-ST have extended the range of fiber-optic temperature sensors to 150 kilometers, using photonic detection technology derived from quantum physics.

    Read more
  • Detecting hydrocarbon pollutants in groundwater

    A major environmental and health challenge taken up by FEMTO-ST researchers working with TotalEnergies

    Read more
  • Two FEMTO-ST PhD students win awards at the IFCS-EFTF 2025 international conference

    Their innovative work paves the way for new environmental monitoring devices and a new generation of atomic micro-clocks.

    Read more
  • 3 tenure track position at FEMTO-ST

    In 3 of its strategic research priorities: micro-nanotechnologies, artificial intelligence and sustainable development.

    Read more
  • FEMTO-ST s'implique du 19 au 21 Mai à Pint of Science Festival

    De nombreux chercheurs de l’institut se mobilisent à Besançon et à Belfort  à l’occasion de la 11ème édition du festival international de vulgarisation scientifique sur des thématiques variées : optique, robotique, IA... Inscrivez-vous pour

    Read more