Physics of Nanodevices Group

We explore new physical phenomena that occur in electronic and opto-electronic device structures with nanoscale dimensions. New physics occurs since the length scales of such devices (somewhere between single atoms and a few thousand atoms) are similar to the length scales of the physical phenomena (Fermi wavelength of electrons, spin-coherence length for electron spins in transport, etc.). The dynamics of such devices is often quantum mechanical in nature, but much richer than the dynamics of isolated atoms due to interactions with the solid-state environment. Our research investigates this quantum dynamics, and aims to apply it for new device functionalities

The core of our work is experimental research that is fundamental in nature. For this work we apply state-of-the-art nano-fabrication and measurement techniques. At the same time, we develop new nano-fabrication techniques and measurement schemes that give access to a next generation of experiments, and possibly new applications for industry. We can therefore host research projects for students from both Physics and Applied Physics.

 

 

The group has three scientific staff members:

 

Bart van Wees (Full professor and group leader)

Bart van Wees is currently supervising three research teams. 1) Work on graphene, with an emphasis on the physics of electron-spin injection and spin-transport, studied with electron-transport methods. 2) Work on metallic spintronics. Current focus is on using ferromagnetic resonance (controlled at microwave frequencies) of individual nanomagnets in devices for controlling new spintronic phenomena. 3) Electron transport through individual molecules. This effort uses nanodevices and scanning probe techniques to study electron transport through organic molecules that can behave as an optically controlled switch (synthesized in the groups of Prof. Feringa and Prof. Hummelen in Groningen).

 

Caspar van der Wal (Associate professor in Physics of Quantum Devices)

The team of Caspar van der Wal investigates the quantum physics of electron spin ensembles in semiconductors. Electron-transport techniques are used in studies on quantum dots and point contacts, for exploring many-body effects and the influence of spin-orbit coupling on spin dynamics. In addition, optical pump-probe techniques are used to study such dynamics in device structures with very high time resolution (collaboration with the group of Prof. van Loosdrecht in Groningen). A new project studies quantum correlations between optical pulses and electron spin states with quantum optical techniques. See also the website of the Quantum Devices team.

 

Tamalika Banerjee (Rosalind Franklin Fellow/ Assistant professor, tenure-track)

Spintronics or spin based electronics exploit the spin of the electron in addition to its charge to study electronic transport in ferromagnetic materials and in conjunction with semiconductors. This is relevant to realize novel devices and circuits essential for next-generation information and storage technology. In this new research line, functional properties of novel material system with exceptional electron correlation effects will be harnessed to study a new phenomenon in spintronics. This will be done using scanning probe techniques and novel device configuration.The work will be done in collaboration with the groups of Prof. Palstra and Prof. Noheda in Groningen.

 

Further information on the group, facilities and projects for students

Our group is at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. We are part of the Zernike Institute of Advanced Materials, and the Department of Physics and Applied Physics.

Our laboratories have state-of-the-art techniques for nanofabrication, deposition techniques, lithography, microscopy and scanning probe techniques. Various cleanrooms are available for the fabrication of devices. Besides facilities for the conventional processing of semiconductors and metals (such as GaAs, InAs and Au, Al), organic semiconductors are processed as well. For measurements, we have several labs with cryogenic setups, instrumentation for electronic and microwave measurements, and laser setups.

The projects in the group are performed by a senior-researcher or Ph.D. student with undergraduate students. The students are, as much as possible, in control of their own projects. Click here for more information on student projects (FIT, Bachelor and Master projects). There are close contacts with researchers from the industrial laboratories of companies like Philips, IBM and NTT (also for student research internships in industry in the Netherlands, the USA or Japan).

Have a virtual tour through our group on these webpages, or step by for real (and coffee) anytime if you like to contact members of the group.