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Welcome to the Atomic-Scale Microscopy & Spectroscopy Group!
This group utilizes low-temperature scanning probe microscopy (SPM) that visualizes individual atoms and molecules in real space. We also perform localized spectroscopic measurements by irradiating the SPM junctions with laser light. This provides information on the sub-nanometer scale beyond the simple topography. The goal of this group is to understand the origin of characteristic chemical/physical phenomena at solid material surfaces and molecules adsorbed on the surfaces at the atomic level by high spatial resolution imaging and spectroscopy techniques.
News
Goodbye, Youngwook!
Jul 2026
Huge congratulations to Dr. Youngwook Park, who is leaving our group to start his own group in POSTEC! I am certain that his time in Berlin will remain truly unforgettable, blessed with both great research success and the joyful arrival of new family members. I look forward to continuing our project collaborations with him!
New group member: Dr. Hariom Birla
Jun 2026
Following some logistical delays, Hariom has finally joined our group. He is already diving into his research on single-molecule photochromism by laser-coupled scanning tunneling microscopy, and we expect to see great results in no time!
A Night Tour: Exploring the Science of Atoms
Jun 2026
We were delighted to offer tours of our lab to the general public during this year’s Long night of the Sciences in Berlin, where visitors could experience real-time measurements with a scanning tunneling microscope. We discussed questions like the challenges and opportunities of experiments at the single atom limit, as single atoms were revealed in the surface. We hope to continue sharing the excitement of our research in the future with even more visitors who are curious about the atomic world!
Publication: Local Raman spectroscopy for molecular thermodynamics and kinetics
May 2026
In Nano Letters, we present a new application of low-temperature tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). Molecular hydrogen diffuses across a silver surface and behaves as a two-dimensional gas (2DG). The 2DG concentration is characterized by the TERS peak intensity of the molecule. By observing the intensity change depending on temperature, the energies required for the aggregation and desorption of the 2DG are determined. This demonstrates that the local vibrational/rotational spectroscopy is useful for evaluating molecular dynamics on surfaces.
Goodbye, Hyeji!
Apr 2026
Ms. Hyeji Choi had worked here on single-molecule mechanics measurements and obtained interesting results. Her experiences conducting the basic research experiments, attending a couple of workshops and conferences, and living in Berlin for one year must have been invaluable. We wish her all the best in her new role at the company from next month!