Nano Electronic Materials (NEM)

The Nano Electronic Materials cluster specialises in creating and characterising thin films and in designing, modelling and constructing low-dimensional nanomaterials for electronic and optical appliCATIONS.

Rapid developments in information technology demand ever more powerful and energy saving electronics. This results in a growing need for entirely new architectures and components, as well as hybrid materials with optimal or completely new characteristics. The strength of our cluster, consisting of very different but synergistic scientific disciplines, is fundamental and more applied research going hand in hand and complementing one another. Theory, model forming, and experimentation provide a fundamental understanding of the characteristics of low-dimensional nanomaterials, grown using advanced deposition techniques. With the help of this atomic engineering we are developing, for instance, circuits inspired by the brain, graphene-like materials such as silicene and germanene, and high-tech mirrors for the chip industry: fundamental physics with clear applications.

The wide range of expertise and our close cooperation are what make our cluster stand out. We often sit together and exchange ideas. Our lab infrastructure is aligned with unique combinations of material fabrication and characterization. This way we have plenty to offer.

Thanks to our expertise and high-quality facilities—including thin film deposition and measurement techniques of our own invention—research groups from all over the world, small and medium-sized companies, and leading high-tech companies such as ASML, Océ, Toyota, Tata Steel, and Philips are keen to work closely with us. Our research has also led to the foundation of a number of spin-off companies.

our people

Our cluster unites a large variety of excellent scientists, inspiring teachers and talented students who each make their own contribution to the research and education in Nano Electronic Materials. Meet our people.

our results

The Nano Electronic Materials cluster makes a relevant contribution to the creation and characterisation of thin films and the design, modeling and realisation of low-dimensional nanomaterials for electronic and optical applications. The results are evident in our numerous publications as well as in various high-profile awards and grants.

 our 8 research specialisms 

The Nano Electronic Materials cluster consists of 8 diverse, but synergetic, scientific disciplines: Materials Science | Interfaces and Correlated Electron Systems | Quantum Transport in Matter | Physics of Interfaces and Nanomaterials | Computational Materials Science | XUV Optics | Computational Chemical Physics | NanoElectronics

Specialism

Inorganic Materials Science

Exploring thin film growth, (nano)structuring techniques, and properties of complex materials, in particular oxides. Focusing the research field on thin films with modified properties by doping or by artificial layered structures and superstructures.

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Interfaces and Correlated Electron Systems

Foccusing on materials and interfaces with unconventional electronic properties, especially related to interactions between the mobile charge carriers. Our research is aimed to bridge fundamental studies with application-oriented ‘proof-of-principle’ device developments.

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Quantum Transport in Matter

Addressing quantum aspects of electronic transport in novel materials and devices. State-of-the-art materials science and nanotechnology is combined with ultrasensitive transport measurements to reveal novel quasiparticles such as Majorana fermions and magnetic monopoles.

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Physics of Interfaces and Nanomaterials

Research involving controlled preparation and understanding of interfaces, low-dimensional (nano)structures and nanomaterials. We focus on systems that rely on state-of-the art applications or can potentially lead to future applications.

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Computational Materials Science

Understanding the magnetic, optical, electrical and structural properties of solids in terms of their chemical composition and atomic structure by numerically solving the quantum mechanical equations describing the motion of the electrons. "Taking the guesswork out of NanoScience and Technology".

XUV Optics

Focusing research on XUV optics for industrial and scientific exploitation. The development of optics for the XUV wavelength range is the goal of the ‘Industrial Focus Group XUV Optics’: it aims to serve a range of scientific applications and high tech industrial uses.

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Computational Chemical Physics

Focusing on the theory and simulation of physical phenomena which span very wide spacial and dynamical scales, from photoexcitations of electrons to the dynamics of structure formation of biomolecular systems.

NanoElectronics

Comprises the study of the electronic and magnetic properties of systems with critical dimensions in the nanoregime, i.e. sub ~100 nm. Hybrid inorganic-organic electronics, spin electronics and quantum electronics form important subfields of nanoelectronics. Our research entails the development of novel (concepts for) electronic devices and systems with nanoscale dimensions for application in future generations of electronics and information storage.

our engagement in research and education

Based on our disciplinary strength and scientific excellence, our cluster engages in various initiatives, programs and projects in both teaching and research. The Nano Electronic Materials cluster contributes to the excellent, multidisciplinary research within scientific institutes such as MESA+: one of the worlds leading research institutes for nanotechnology. Furthermore, education is one of our core tasks. Our people play a strong role in the applied physics curriculum. The combination of in-depth expertise and our low-threshold, open culture ensures that we train students to be broad and critical engineers who are ready to face the challenges of the future.

As a student you have the opportunity to work on fundamental as well as applied research problems and you’ll find an excellent combination of experimental and computational expertise.

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