Anna Maria Reider is a PhD candidate for Physics at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, in the Nano-Bio research group of Paul Scheier. Her research focuses mainly on superfluid helium droplets and their experimental applications in spectroscopy, cluster- and nanoparticle studies, and model catalysis. A key challenge in conventional nanoparticle production—achieving precise size and distribution control—is addressed in her work by using multiply charged helium droplets. By stabilizing charge centers that act as nucleation sites, helium droplets enable the growth of nanoparticles with uniquely narrow size distributions, a critical requirement for the efficient use of the size-dependent properties of nanoparticles and their application in the development of new nano-materials. A particular focus of her work is given to models for single-side catalysis and energy storage materials. Future efforts aim to develop innovative concepts and methodologies to translate these advantages into industrial applications.

Within the COST Action CA21101 “Confined Molecular Systems: from the new generation of materials to the stars” (COSY she is an active member of Working Groups 3 and 4 and holds the SME co-coordinator position.

Selected publications: