The Scanning Probe Microscopy department (part of the Institute for Molecules and Materials) focuses on scanning probe techniques to understand both fundamental and technological problems in condensed matter physics and surface chemistry.
Scanning Probe Microscopy
Department
Research
Our group approaches numerous problems in physics and chemistry, utilizing or innovating new state of the art methods in scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Our aim is to understand fundamental problems ultimately toward innovating new approaches to technological applications based on materials science. Our expertise focuses on high precision magnetic and electronic imaging in cryogenic ultrahigh vacuum environments in magnetic fields, often combined with atomic manipulation.
Facilities
Our department also hosts a cluster of cutting-edge labs we call the SPiN labs (Scanning Probe in Nijmegen). All instruments in the SPiN labs are customised commercial or home-built, based on strong in-house expertise in scanning probe technology, including multiple instruments capable of cryogenic operation, single-atom manipulation, and magnetic field-based measurements.
Research topics
Complex magnetism on surfaces
We are interested in surface magnetism beyond the collinear limit, and how interface-driven interactions can lead to new complex magnetic phases of matter, for example skyrmionic or chiral spin order.
Single atom and single molecule magnetism
Our interest is on how utilizing single magnetic atoms and molecules as memory elements, for information technology. Of keen interest is how the magnetic properties, both the static and dynamic behavior of a spin, are modified by environmental effects, such as magnetic anisotropy or ligand fields.
Single molecule light emission
We apply tunneling-induced light emission detection combined with STM and STS to probe the luminescence behavior of individual molecules on surfaces. We are particularly interested in intra- and intermolecular interactions and how these modify the light emission, toward ultimately creating robust single molecule and aggregated emitters.
van der Waals materials
We are particularly interested in understand interesting electronic and magnetic phases in van der Waal materials, and the role of atomic scale defects or impurities. Moreover, we are interested in van der Waals materials approaching the single layer limit, and the changes to electronic screening in these environments.
Brain-inspired computing
We are interested in utilizing the control we have of individual spin states as well as coupling between atomic spins, as a platform to investigate various types of brain-inspired computing concepts.
Artificial quantum matter: atom-by-atom
We utilize surfaces combined with patterned atomic impurities as a platform to create electronic and magnetic artificial lattices. For example, with this method, we can utilize these platforms as a testbed to realize new states of matter, often not easily realized in crystals, as well as test many cutting-edge theories about the electronic and magnetic behavior, in these limits.
Internships
We regularly have openings for internships for Bachelor's and Master's students, ranging from physics to chemistry, all involving SPM in some way. During the day to day research you will be supervised by one or more of our PhD students or postdocs. On a regular basis there will be a meeting with the head of the group to discuss the results, problems and plans for the future. Please contact us if you have an interest!
Academic staff
Below is the scientific staff of the Scanning Probe Microscopy department. Head of the department is Prof. Alexander Khajetoorians.
Contact information
Location
Huygens building
Heyendaalseweg 135
6525AJ Nijmegen
6525AJ Nijmegen