Research Topics

The research focus of our group “Nanostructuring and Scanning Probe Techniques” is on fabrication, analysis, properties and applications of functional nanostructures. We develop the corresponding techniques for nanolithography (“Top-Down Approach”) as well as novel processes for nanostructure formation by self-organization (“Bottom-Up Approach”). The Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is used both for structuring and imaging.

The developments of our group, which lead to 20 patents filed so far, include the world´s smallest transistor, a novel process allowing for nanocontact printing and crystalline nanowires with 30-fold increased mechanical yield strength.

Topics:

Nanocontact Printing and AFM Nanolithography

Nanoanalytics and nanolithography via AFM. Functional chemical patterns on surfaces can be written and subsequently imaged with the same AFM tip.

The Single-Atom Transistor

The Atomic Transistor. The controlled repositioning of one single silver atom allows for the reversible opening and closing of an electronic circuit.

(Bio)functional Nanostructured Surfaces

Pattern formation of the nanometer scale by self-organization. An example for biofunctional films is shown.

Biomimetic Surfaces for Air Trapping under Water

The floating fern Salvinia as a model for biomimetic drag reduction.