We are interested in the spatio-temporal response of solid state surfaces, nanostructures, and molecules following ultrafast laser excitation. Our goal is to obtain an atomistic understanding of photoinduced processes on (sub-) nanometer length and femtosecond time scales by employing novel pump-probe schemes for ultrafast scanning probe microscopy (SPM). We envision to study, drive and control solid state matter in highly non-equilibrium states on ultrashort length und ultrafast time scales.

To achieve this goal, we are putting efforts into the development of ultrafast scanning probe methods, with a strong focus on broadband THz-gated STM combined with femtosecond optical excitation and all-optical plasmon-assisted femtosecond STM. For more information please check our research page and follow our news below.

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After dealing with various technical hurdles, we are finally back to STM operation in our new lab: with cryo and new laser system. Many thanks to the team for the great job to get this running! We are excited to see new data coming out of this machine soon!

In October 21 Luis joined our team. Luis expertise is luminescence studies on 2D layered materials, with a particular focus on atomic-scale local luminescence investigation using low-temperature STM. He will apply THz-STM to these materials. Welcome Luis!

Vivien Sleziona joins our group as PhD student. Vivien will develop a new pump-probe setup for our photoexcited ultrabroadband THz-STM driven by a spintronic emitter and work on low-temperature THz-STM. Welcome Vivien!

Paper accepted in ACS Photonics, demonstrating the generation and time-domain sampling of ultrabroadband single-cycle THz bias pulses in an STM junction. Our results demonstrate the suitability of spintronic THz emitters for future ultrabroadband THz-STM applications with state-of-the art MHz laser systems, and provide insight into the broadband coupling of coherent THz radiation into nanoscale metallic junctions.