Our research group focuses on the development of novel Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) instrumentation, tools, and methods to address key issues in tribology, sustainability, and chemical sensors industries.
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Single Molecule Optical Detection (SMOD) are key tools for imaging and manipulating matter on the nanoscale based on the detection and control of light and nanoscale forces between two objects. The key challenges we want to address are the link between nanoscale materials behaviour and macroscopic phenomena in friction and adhesion, as well as the development of methods for chemical imaging on the nanoscale in liquids. We also address the need for extensive data analysis using machine learning and predictive analytics in context of a laboratory environment.
Measuring friction between two surfaces, principle of nanoIR, principle of nanomagnetometry for nanoNMR
Research activities:
- Tribology, superlubricity, linking nanoscale friction to macroscopic behaviour
- Viscosity and interactions between two surfaces in liquids
- Fabrication of novel AFM cantilevers and tips
- Liquid metal probes and liquid metal tribology for nanoscale contacts
- Cell-free study of adhesive bond formation
- NanoIR imaging
- NanoNMR – Single Spin Magnetic Resonance Imaging in liquids
- Machine learning and predictive analytics of AFM force-distance curves and images
We offer a comprehensive set of AFM and SMOD capabilities for the study of mechanical, optical, electrical, and thermal properties in air as well as in aqueous and physiologically relevant environments. Our instrumentation allows also for nanoscale mapping and correlation of structural (morphology), mechanical (adhesion, modulus, friction) and optical (lifetime, emission spectrum, polarization) properties on different length scales.