Surface Science and Infrared Spectroscopy of Nanostructures

Research Focus

Our research focuses on nanostructures (ultrathin layers and nanoparticles from atomic size up to several 100 nm on well-defined surfaces) with emphasis on the relationship between structure formation, surface, and interface properties and excitation spectra (in the sub-eV range).

Surface and interface features are especially important for nanostructures. The dynamic electronic interaction between metallic and nonmetallic neighbours may produce special spectral signatures, for example the Fano-type dipolar interaction between collective free electron excitations and vibrations, known as surface enhanced infrared (IR) absorption (SEIRA, SEIRS, enhancement of more than five orders of magnitude) and the interaction of electron-hole pair excitations with vibrations modifies typical IR selection rules and indicates atomic roughness of metal surfaces.

Our main experimental tools are IR spectroscopy (including IR micro-spectroscopy, IR spectroscopic ellipsometry) under ambient and ultra-high vacuum conditions and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). The studies have been performed within various research projects ranging from astronomy and high-energy physics to organic electronics and plasmonics (including application in medicine).

Our homepage gives a short overview on our ongoing research. For more detailed information please take a look at our publications.