Research topics

Electronic and magnetic properties of materials with phase transitions

We study (experimentally as well as theoretically) optical response of materials with highly correlated electrons, including superconducting cuprates (high-temperature superconductors). Changes of optical spectres around phase transitions (superconducting, ferromagnetic) provide important information about microscopic mechanisms of these phenomena.

Quantum Dots

Bound states of electron and holes occuring in quantum dots (QD) can serve as light sources for telecommunication purposes, other possible application emerges in quantum information technologies.We study properties of light emitted by QD and since 2017 we participate on development of QD-based memories.

Organic semiconductors

We study preparation and structural analysis of thin layers of organic semiconductors and single-molecular magnets.

Plasmonic (surface) enhancement of Raman scattering

Using fine-tuned nanoparticles we can enhance Raman signal of chosen molecules by several orders of magnitude. By specially fabricated SPM tips we should be able to identify individual molecules with nm spatial resolution. This method is abbreviated as SERS.

Methods

• Spectroscopic: spektrofotometry (reflection, transmission), ellipsometry (TIRE, low temperatures, infrared, VIS-UV), Raman scattering (SERS), photoluminiscence, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
• Structural: AFM, X-ray scattering (diffraction, reflection), SIMS (secondary ion spektroscopy), transmission electron microscoscopy (TEM)
• Magnetic: magnetometry, magnetotransport
• Sample preparation: pulsed laser deposition (PLD)