Our research group Atomic‑scale Microscopy & Spectroscopy, founded at the University of Münster at the end of 2022, focuses on the atomic‑scale investigation of correlations among structural, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of low‑dimensional (magnetic) solid‑state systems. In addition, we aim to advance the methodological capabilities required for these investigations.
As illustrated above, our scientific interest spans the local characterization of atomic and molecular spin centers, the spatially resolved study of non‑collinear and topological spin textures in thin films and magnetic moiré structures, and the associated interfacial effects in two‑dimensional hetero‑ and hybrid structures. A further research focus is the atomic‑scale examination of spin transport, spin dynamics, and spin manipulation, together with the related charge‑spin conversion efficiency.
We have strong expertise in, and actively develop, our own innovative in‑house techniques based on spin‑polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (SP‑STM) and spin‑polarized scanning tunneling spectroscopy (SP‑STS), which are employed to investigate all of the aforementioned phenomena. The current portfolio is being expanded to include light‑assisted (SP‑)STM/STS methods, enabling the exploration of optically induced opto-electronic and magneto‑optical phenomena at the atomic scale by photo‑excitation of the (magnetic) tunneling junction.
