research
Progress in information technology and fields such as energy storage, energy conversion and sensors originates to a large extent from the findings of novel electronic phenomena in functional materials as well as advances in the processing technology of these materials.
In this sense, we focus on the physics and chemistry of electronic oxides and electronically active organic molecules, which are promising for potential memory, logic, energy conversion and sensor functions. Our research aims at the fundamental understanding of functional effects based on nano-scale electron transfer, electrochemical redox processes, space charge formation, as well as ferro- and piezoelectricity, and at the elucidation of their potential for future device and systems application. For this purpose, our institute provides a broad spectrum of facilities ranging from atomically controlled film deposition methods for heteroepitaxial oxide thin films, and molecular self-assembly routes to dedicated integration technologies. In addition, our institutes are equipped with tools for the characterisation of processes, structures, and electronic properties with atomic resolution. Circuit design is utilized for the development of hybrid and integrated circuits which comprise new electronic functions as well as advanced measurement systems. This is complemented by numerical simulation and modelling methods which aim at the theoretical explanation of the electronic phenomena and materials under study as well as the corresponding devices.
