Research
(Cryogenic) Scanning Probe Microscopy
Our lab develops and applies cryogenic scanning probe microscopy (SPM) to study heat and charge transport at the nanoscale. We use techniques such as scanning thermal microscopy (SThM) and piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), and we are pioneering new modes like scanning electrocaloric thermometry (SEcT). These tools enable local thermometry and thermal gating with sub-100 nm spatial resolution on low-dimensional quantum materials. By mapping how structural defects, magnetic domain patterns, and local band structure variations influence thermal conductivity and thermoelectric or electrocaloric performance, we aim to uncover new mechanisms to optimize nanoscale energy conversion and cooling.
Novel quantum materials
We utilize (twisted) 2D materials to engineer tailored topological phases and novel magnetic structures. Our research focuses on thin films and heterostructures of topological insulators, Weyl and Dirac semimetals, as well as two-dimensional magnets. By harnessing the unique quantum properties of these low-dimensional systems, we aim to develop electronic devices with groundbreaking functionalities—ranging from next-generation spin-caloritronic energy harvesters to components for neuromorphic computing and ultra-fast memory technologies.
Molecular electronics
In the field of molecular electronics, we design and implement device architectures that enable simultaneous measurement of electronic and thermoelectric properties at the level of a single molecule. This unique capability allows us to explore how strong electron correlations, high-spin ground states, and molecular vibrations shape thermoelectric behavior. By directly testing theoretical predictions, we aim to identify the key factors that govern heat-to-energy conversion efficiency in molecular heat engines and guide synthetic strategies to optimize the thermoelectric performance of custom-designed molecules.
Cryogenic thermoelectric and thermal properties of quantum materials
We have developed specialized devices featuring on-chip microheaters to apply controlled temperature gradients across microscale junctions, paired with highly sensitive cryogenic superconducting thermometers that enable ultra-fast, nanosecond-scale readout. This setup allows us to study the thermoelectric and thermal properties of quantum materials with exceptional precision. Our experiments span a wide temperature range—from 8 mK up to 300 K—and can be performed under high magnetic fields up to 12 Tesla, providing deep insights into heat and charge transport in extreme quantum regimes.