Student: Alexander Aji
Supervisor: Doc. Mgr. Martin Setvín, Ph.D.
Status: Assigned
Abstract:
Novel technologies put strict requirements on materials properties, which promotes the development of increasingly complex materials. Perovskites (general chemical formula ABO3 [1]) represent a prototypical example and currently attract wide attention. Perovskites traditionally consist of an alkali metal (A), transition metal (B), and oxygen (O), but more exotic versions are appearing, such as the hybrid organohalide versions [2].
The Thesis will focus on surfaces of promising complex materials, with emphasis on interaction with light. Efficient light harvesting is the base for many important technologies, such as energy applications [3] (solar cells, photochemistry) and optoelectronics. Special attention will be paid to (incipient) ferroelectrics [4], which possess a built-in electric field that promotes electron-hole separation.
The main tool will be combined AFM/STM [5] with the option of Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy. The technique will be supplemented by integral analysis techniques of surface science, such as LEED, XPS, and LEIS.