Development, implementation and application of microscopic and spectroscopic methods enabling detailed analysis of advanced materials (2D materials, perovskites, wide band-gap semiconductors, etc.) and nanostructures with high spatial and temporal resolution. These include advanced electron microscopy and spectroscopy (in collaboration with Thermo Fischer Scientific and Tescan), scanning probe microscopy (SPM) including scanning near-field optical spectroscopy (SNOM), confocal holographic microscopy for quantitative phase analysis (metasurface testing), plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS, TERS)/PL, plasmon-enhanced THz EPR/BLS and correlative microscopy (e.g. SEM/SPM/SNOM, SEM/CL, SEM/microRaman/PL).
The team's activities have long focused on the characterization of advanced materials and nanostructures suitable for nanoelectronics and nanophotonics. In this field, researchers work closely with experts from leading foreign and domestic academic institutions, as well as with high-tech companies operating in this field (Thermo Fischer Scientific, Tescan, NenoVision). The group achieves excellent and internationally respected results – with articles published in top journals (Nature Materials, Nature Nanotechnology, Nature Communications, ACS Nano, Nanoletters, Phys. Rev. Letters, ACS Photonics) and valuable application outputs with high TRL (UHV SEM/SPM, SPM,.....). The team takes advantage of the state-of-the-art infrastructure of CEITEC Nano and other well-equipped laboratories at the Institute of Physical Engineering of the Brno University of Technology.
Team activities also embrace the following areas:
1) Real-time monitoring of surface reactions and growth of nanostructures and 2D materials
This method allows direct insight into these processes and methods and their following optimization. In this research, there is close cooperation with Thermo Fischer Scientific.
2) Shaping electron beams using light
A new perspective trend in the development of electron microscopy enabling advanced analysis of materials (e.g. chiral molecules, magnetic materials, etc.)
3) Correlative microscopy
Complex analysis of materials using complementary microscopic techniques. In particular, the group takes advantage of its expertise in the field of SPM equipment, which was developed by the group specifically for use in SEM microscopes.