Scanning Probe (SPiN) Labs

The SPiN labs (Scanning Probe in Nijmegen) have a broad range of instruments including scanning tunnelling microscopes (STM) and atomic force microscopes (AFM), operating from ambient conditions down to the milliKelvin regime. We also house the highest resolution STMs in Europe, capable of vector-field magnetic characterisation, including spin-polarized STM. 

Our microscopes are integrated in an ultra-high vacuum system, allowing for in-situ sample preparation. All instruments in the SPiN labs are customized 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.

Go to the Scanning Probe Microscopy department

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The SPiN labs explained

With our STM microscopes we can track and map variations, electronic and magnetic properties in materials on an atomic-scale, which are not visible through normal microscopes. We use these imaging techniques to understand new materials and manipulate matter down to the level of the individual atom or molecule. With such precise nanoscale techniques, we can move individual atoms around, or fabricate new systems from individual atoms up to synthesizing very large nanoscale structures. 

Watch the video in which Prof. Alex Khajetoorians, head of the SPM department, explains how this works and what it's used for.

Apparatuur in het nanolab

Labs & equipment 

Nanolab

 

4K Omicron STM

This facility is capable of spin-polarised tunneling and STM-induced light emission at 4He temperatures. It has a hold time of approximately 2 days, and has optical access to the STM, including a lens and ex situ optical detection (single-photon counting module, grid spectrometer with LN2-cooled CCD). The facility is capable of in situ growth of metallic overlayers as well as cold deposition of single atoms/molecules directly onto the sample inside the STM.

Operational temperature: 5 K.

4K Createc STM/AFM

This facility is capable of spin-polarised tunneling at 4He temperatures, magnetic exchange force microscopy (MExFM) measurements based on the qPlus design, as well as their simultaneous combination, i.e. SPEX microscopy. It has a hold time of almost 3 days, and has optical access to the STM. The facility is capable of in situ growth of metallic overlayers as well as cold deposition of single atoms/molecules directly onto the sample inside the STM/AFM.

Operational temperature: 5 K.

Spacelab

 

1K-9T SP-STM

This facility is capable of spin-polarised tunneling at 4He temperatures. It has a hold time of approximately 7 days. The facility contains two additional MBE chambers and CVD capabilities for growth of samples and tips in situ. It also contains a 9T solenoid superconducting magnet for out-of-plane application.

Operational temperature: 1.2 K.

STILL lab

The STILL lab facility is one of the quietest labs in Europe, with two lab rooms situated three floors underground. The lab is optimised for ultra-high precision measurements in large magnetic fields. It houses one of the highest resolution STMs in Europe, and is capable of vector-field magnetic characterisation, including spin-polarised STM.

The room has high clearance and a pit, permitting an in situ transfer of samples from the UHV system into the magnetic cryogenic STM. The labs are RF-shielded by a Faraday cage, with ca. 60 dB attenuation. Acoustic panels on the walls and ceiling as well as special filters for the air ventilation suppress the impact from airborne acoustic noise. Next to each lab room, there is an additional room for noisy mechanical pumps which is mechanically and acoustically decoupled from the quiet lab space.

Apparatuur in het STILLlab

30mK-9/4T SP-STM

This facility is capable of spin-polarised tunneling and operates within a wet top-loading dilution fridge (Janis JDR-50, cooling power 115 µW). The system is equipped with high-frequency cabling permitting pump-probe and spin resonance measurements. It has a hold time of approximately 7 days. The facility contains two additional MBE chambers and CVD capabilities for growth of samples and tips in situ. It also contains a 9T solenoid and a 4T split-coil magnet, capable of vector mode operation in a 2D plane (up to 3T).

Operational temperature: 30 mK.

6mK-9/4T SP-STM – under development

This facility is capable of spin-polarised tunneling and operates within a wet top-loading dilution fridge (Janis JDR-250, cooling power ca. 210 µW). The system is equipped with high-frequency cabling permitting pump-probe and spin resonance measurements. It has a hold time of approximately 7 days. The facility contains two additional MBE chambers and CVD capabilities for growth of samples and tips in situ. It also contains a 9T solenoid and a 4T split-coil magnet, capable of vector mode operation in a 2D plane (up to 3T).

Operational temperature: 6 mK.

Contact & Access

The facility is located in the Goudsmit Pavilion (NMR). For more information and access, please get in touch with Alex Khajetoorians.

Contact department

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