Subcycle nanoscopy

Small and swift

Innovation in science and quantum, nano-, and biotechnology relies on a rigorous understanding of tailored materials across all length scales. At the nanoscale, the elementary building blocks of condensed matter are in constant motion. To understand how material functionality emerges from microscopic processes, ultrafast movies of the nanoworld are essential.

Legal information about the decorative image: © Brad Baxley, PtW

Watching the nanoworld move

Our group has worked at the forefront of imaging ultrafast quantum dynamics in condensed matter directly in space and time. In collaboration with Jascha Repp’s group we developed the first microscope to combine subcycle temporal with atomic spatial resolution. Using sharp metallic tips with ultrashort laser pulses, we probe tunneling currents or scattered near-fields. We have achieved breakthroughs in both areas and continue advancing resolution to explore key electronic and structural dynamics in molecules and quantum materials.

Legal information about the decorative image: © Simon Anglhuber

Open projects

Ultrafast slow-motion videography with atomic resolution
Together with the group of Jascha Repp (external link, opens in a new window), we pushed atomic-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy to femtosecond resolution, for the first time. This lightwave-driven scanning tunneling microscope has allowed us to resolve the motion of a single molecular orbital of a single molecule. We are now promoting the concept to resolve attosecond dynamics, spin motion, and chemical reactions.

All-optical microscopy with atomic resolution
We also pioneered ultrafast scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) and optical near-field tunneling emission (NOTE) microscopy to investigate quantum materials on ultrashort length and time scales. We are employing these novel all-optical approaches to explore ultrafast electronic correlations in novel van der Waals quantum materials.

Heterostructures from two-dimensional crystals
Atomically thin layers of van-der-Waals layered crystals can be mechanically peeled off and stacked on top of each other to create tailor-made artificial materials. These systems form an extremely rich playground to create and explore new phases of matter. We prepare ultraclean heterostructures to study electronic correlations in space and time using ultrafast nanoscopy.

Interested in joining us? Please send an email to Rupert Huber or Ulla Franzke.

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