Research lines
The molecular beams and nano-crystalline materials laboratory (LGM) is active in the fields of gas phase nano-particle synthesis, nano-structured films and micro pattern formation by supersonic cluster beam deposition (SCBD). The film properties are investigated by Raman spectroscopy, XPS, AFM an SEM. The electronic and structural properties of free particles are studied by Time of flight mass spectrometry and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy by synchrotron radiation (at the ELETTRA facility), with special emphasis on the study of growth processes and separation effects in gas-dynamics. The soft landing conditions typical of SCBD allow the formation of metastable structures in the form of thin films, that are reminiscent of the particle properties. The investigation of such correlations is one of the principal activities of the group.
Other activities include the use and development of AFM techniques for the investigation of tribological properties at the nano-scale, for the study of protein, DNA and cell interaction with nano-structured surfaces, for the investigation and modification of electric transport properties and surface chemistry at the nano-scale.
Main Achievements in 2005:
- Gas phase NEXAFS on mass resolved transition metal particles;
- Development of microarrays for reverse infection on cell cultures.
Expected results for 2006:
- Investigation of sp carbon formation and stability by gas phase light scattering experiments;
- Unraveling the ns-TiO2 interaction with protein functional groups trough in situ XPS, XAS studies.