Research Group Scanning Probe Techniques - Prof. Dr. Markus Morgenstern
Welcome to the group scanning probe techniques by Prof. Dr. Markus Morgenstern.
Staff
Presently our group consists of 20 members, like 2 postdocs, 7 PhD students, 6 diploma students, and 4 bachelor students. Here you can find a list of our group members.
Scientific research
Our research is focussed on scanning probe methods. In particular, we develop low temperature microscopes which operate in high magnetic field. These microscopes are used for the analysis of complex electron and spin systems with high energy resolution down to the atomic scale. Currently, we investigate the electronic and mechanical properties of graphene, low-dimensional semiconductors, spin chain systems, magnetic domain patterns and phase change materials. A more detailed description of our research topics will be available soon.
Recent results
The figure on the left shows a 3D scanning tunneling microscopy image of monolayer graphene taken at T=4.9 K. The intrinsic rippling of the surface as well as the atomic structure is visible (article: Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 076102 (2009)).
Preliminary work on nano-electro-mechanics (article: Nano Letters (2010))
Research techniques
The main research methods are scanning probe techniques, in particular scanning tunneling microscopy, scanning tunneling spectroscopy, spin polarized scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic/magnetic force microscopy. The scanning tunneling microscopes are fabricated in-house and operate at temperatures down to 300 mK and in magnetic fields up to 14 T. In addition, a system for transport measurements at T=300 mK and B=12 T is under construction.
- Master and bachelor thesis offered by our research group.
- Awards of the research group of Prof. Morgenstern.