Research

The focus of our research is on ferroic materials (ferroelectrics, ferromagnets and multiferroics), as well as nanostructures based on ferroic patterns or other type of self-assembled patterns, such as nanodomains. Our aim is to gain access to the materials nanoscale by manipulating the growth of thin film oxides at atomic level. By growing structures atomic-layer by atomic-layer and tuning the strain, one can create novel materials with compositions and symmetries deliberately tailored for specific applications. This control also allows us to investigate the properties of domain walls and their distinct functionality (conductivity, polarity, magnetism).
Although our research is fundamental in nature, we are inspired by two main application areas that we believe will enable the next technological revolution: Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting for low power electronics and Novel materials for Neuromorphic Computing.

The latest results from the group can be found in the Hottest results section and for a complete list of publications please refer to the Publications page.

Projects

• Domain patterns in ferroelectric thin films
• Symmetry engineering by epitaxial strain

• Strain gradients in ferroelectric thin films
• Multiferroic thin films
• Ferroelectric resistive switching
• Domain wall conductivity
• Novel phases at domain walls
• Piezoelectric response at the nanoscale
• Nanodots of functional oxides via block-copolymer templating
• Novel sustainable piezoelectrics
• Piezoelectric devices

Facilities

• Pulsed Laser Deposition
• Characterization:
  • Structural
  • Electrical
  • Ferroelectric/dielectric
  • Magnetic
  • Atomic (Piezo-)Force Microscop

Want to work with us?

• Here you can find available Research projects for Master students
• See also a list of available PhD and Post-doc positions