Scanning Probe Microscopy

Department

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. 

Highlights

werkbezoek burgemeester Bruls en wethouder EZ de heer Brom

Mayor Bruls and Alderman Brom visiting the Institute for Molecules and Materials

On Friday 24 January, the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) at Radboud University welcomed Mayor Hubert Bruls, Alderman for Economic Affairs John Brom from the Municipality of Nijmegen for a working visit.

Prize winners Wojciech Lipinski and Daniël Rap

IMM Best Thesis Awards 2024 for Daniël Rap, Wojciech Lipinski & Werner van Weerdenburg

Daniël Rap, Wojciech Lipinski and Werner van Weerdenburg, who have finished their PhD theses within the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) of Radboud University, have each been awarded the IMM Best Thesis Award 2024.

magnet

Radboud researchers gained new insights in interaction between magnets and superconductors

Researchers from the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) of Radboud University have developed a groundbreaking method to explore this fundamental question in detail.

Research

Our group approaches numerous problems in physics and chemistry, utilising 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 ultra-high vacuum environments in magnetic fields, often combined with atomic manipulation.

Go to the external page of Scanning Probe Microscopy

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.

SPiN Labs 

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 utilising single magnetic atoms and molecules as memory elements, for information technology. Of keen interest is how the magnetic properties, both the static and dynamic behaviour of a spin, are modified by environmental effects, such as magnetic anisotropy or ligand fields.

Single molecule light emission

We apply tunnelling-induced light emission detection combined with STM and STS to probe the luminescence behaviour 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 utilising 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 utilise surfaces combined with patterned atomic impurities as a platform to create electronic and magnetic artificial lattices. For example, with this method, we can utilise these platforms as a test bed 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.

Publications

Alex Khajetoorians in SPM lab

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!

Projects

led

Molecular properties and light emission in electroluminescent devices

The research study provides a blueprint for future systematic research to unravel how a current flow in an electroluminescent device such as an OLED eventually leads to light and what the role the molecular properties play.

‘Doorbraken op komst voor energiezuinige dataopslag’

Brain-inspired computing

In the project' Neuromorphic computational and data Science: towards disruptively green computing', IBM, SURF and Radboud University investigate how neuromorphic hardware can meet green and sustainable energy need.

View all projects

Academic staff

Below is the scientific staff of the Scanning Probe Microscopy department. Head of the department is Prof. Alexander Khajetoorians.

Prof. A.A. Khajetoorians (Alex)
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Contact information

Visiting address
Heyendaalseweg 135
6525AJ Nijmegen
+31 24 365 21 21
Postal address
Postbus 9010
6500GL NIJMEGEN