Overview

Led by ICREA Prof. Pietro Gambardella, the Atomic Manipulation and Spectroscopy Group investigates fundamental concepts in magnetism and molecular electronics, in order to control the interplay of the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of nanosized systems. The group combines scanning tunnelling microscopy techniques with synchrotron radiation spectroscopy in order to link microscopic phenomena to macroscopic observables that are relevant for the understanding and design of new materials and devices.

Background

The last twenty years have seen an increasing interest in materials for magnetic and electronic applications fostered by a number of far-reaching fundamental discoveries. An incomplete list includes the giant magnetoresistance effect, single-molecule magnetism, graphene fabrication, and others.

One consequence is that nanoscopic physical processes occupy a prominent place at the frontiers of electronics and data storage technologies. Other applications abound in interdisciplinary domains such as microwave signal processing and biomedical instrumentation.

A feature common in nearly all these phenomena is that a detailed knowledge of atomic interfaces, single-particle/molecules physical properties, and their time-dependent interactions in confined ensembles must be developed.

The Atomic Manipulation and Spectroscopy Group is dedicated to advancing this field.