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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
Award for the Researchers with Nice Step
Sep 2026
Dr. Akitoshi Shiotari was honored to be selected as one of Nice Step Researchers in 2025 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan. This annual selection recognizes 10 young researchers across all academic disciplines—including natural, social, and humanities fields—for significantly contributing to science and technology by cutting-edge and groundbreaking research. In September 2026, the selected reseachers in 2025 received commemorative plaques from Dr. Sakamoto, the Director General of the National Institute of Science and Technology Policy, MEXT.
Publication: Atomic force reveals molecular head orientations
Aug 2026
We reported precise molecular characterization using noncontact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM) in a letter. Platform-type molecules with flat legs and upright heads enable versatile chemical modifications. Notably, a pyridyl-headed platform has a large dipole moment, resulting in a unique pattern of its self-assembled island on metal. NC-AFM effectively identified the orientation of the pyridyl head, consistent with predictions based on electronic states of the adsorbed molecule. This work highlights the utility of force-based characterization in resolving complex molecular architectures.
Goodbye, Youngwook!
Jul 2026
Huge congratulations to Dr. Youngwook Park, who is leaving our group to start his own group in POSTECH! 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!