Emission Electronics Division
Research
Division members conduct extensive research in the field of surface physics. In particular it concerns the phenomena accompanying adsorption and growth mechanisms of selected thin film systems (nucleation and crystal growth, epitaxy) as well as evolution of structures under the influence of varying temperature (intercalation, faceting, segregation, thermal desorption, changes in surface reconstruction). The atomic and electron structure of the near-surface layer and the types of interatomic interactions occurring in such layers are determined. Emission properties of tested systems are also studied. In the perspective of practical applications, methodologies are also being developed for producing thin-film systems with specific physicochemical properties. Primary research techniques include: low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS); other complementary techniques are also used in collaboration with other divisions.
Currently our endeavours focus on:
- Studies of the physical and chemical properties of thin films of metals adsorbed onto the surfaces of semiconductors (in particular silicon Si and silicon carbide SiC);
- Determining the role of mono- and bimetallic surfactants in the formation of low-dimensional structures on semiconductor surfaces;
- Studies of adsorption and intercalation of various metals under graphene layers deposited on the surface of silicon carbide (SiC);
- Studies of the effect of silicon vacancies on the properties of graphene layers formed on the surface of silicon carbide (SiC);
- Synthesis and 2D properties of graphene-structured materials;
- Studies of dopant segregation in iron-based alloys – research conducted in collaboration with the Nuclear and Dielectric Physics Division;
- Studies of the chemical composition of the surface/surface layers of BSG (borosilicate glass) subjected to various chemical processes – research conducted in collaboration with the Wrocław University of Science and Technology;
- Characterization of the structure and chemical composition of catalytically active surfaces of precious metals and their alloys during oxidation/reduction reactions – research conducted in collaboration with the SINLab group, Universyté Libre de Bruxelles;
- Studies of the surface chemistry of samples representing different functional materials – research conducted in collaboration with other science facilities.
