Research topics
Developing multifunctional microscopic technique
We develop new multifunctional microscopic techniques based on Raman, and fluorescence signals, such as tip-enhanced optical spectroscopy and microscopy. Based on the ‘localized plasmon effect’ and the ‘lightning effect’, an optically excited sharp noble metal tip raster scans over the sample surface at a very close tip-sample distance (e.g. less than 3 nm), allowing to collect the topography and optical information at the nanometer scale simultaneously. This combination provides a unique view-point to investigate nanoscale physical and chemical properties.
Ongoing projects:
Probing the nanoscale properties of two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures by tipenhanced nano-imaging and spectroscopy (Humboldt Research Fellowship, 2021-2023)
The investigation of local properties of optoelectronic materials at the nanometer scale using optical spectroscopy and microscopy (CSC, 2022-2025)
Developing novel TERS tip (Sino-German Center, 2022-2025)
Optical/electrical properties of organic semiconductors and the hybrid systems
We investigate organic semiconductor systems that are commonly used in photovoltaics and organic light emitting diode and their hybrids with metallic nanostructures. We are particularly interested in studying the morphology – related issues, such as the molecular stacking orders, orientation, and the domain formation (size and the arrangement). These issues are found to be critical in the light-management, the charge carrier mobility, exciton diffusion and dissociation in many optoelectronic devices. Employing the unique scanning near-field optical microscopy developed in our lab, we are able to direct study these effects at both micro- and nanometer scale.
On-going project
Tuning the electronic structure of transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers via dipole engineering through molecular adsorbates (DFG, 2022-2025)
Collaborators:
Prof. H. Peisert (Chemistry), Prof. T. Chassé (Chemistry), Prof. F. Schreiber (Physics), Uni. Tübingen, Germany
Prof. Hans-Joachim Egelhaaf, Prof. C. Brabec, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen Nürnberg, Germany
Prof. J. Gierschner, IMDEA Nanoscience Madrid, Spain
Optical properties of metallic plasmonic nanostructures
We investigate metallic nanostructures of different composition and geometry, especially regarding the plasmonic resonance influences on the second harmonic generation, two/one photon photoluminescence, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
Collaborators:
Prof. M. Fleischer (Physics), Uni Tübingen, Germany
Prof. P. M. Adam, Prof. Anne-Laure Baudrion-Béal, Laboratoire Lumière, nanomatériaux, nanotechnologies (L2n), Université de Technologie de Troyes, France
Prof. O. J. F. Martin, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
Fluorescence microscopy and lifetime imaging in dry and liquid conditions
We investigate the optical properties (Raman and fluorescence) of molecules, soft matters, and thin films in dry and liquid conditions. Through the non-linear effects, optical imaging with intrinsic confocal optical resolution in three-dimensional can be achieved.
Collaborators:
Dr. A. Lorenz, Prof. M. Brecht, Reutlingen University, Germany