The research focusses on condensed matter and materials science using hard x-ray diffraction. For this we use a variety of powder and surface diffraction techniques.
The group operates the MS beamline. Homepage Materials Science Group
Spectroscopy of Novel Materials Group
The group studies novel materials using ARPES (with VUV and soft x-rays) and RIXS. The materials presently investigated include high-temperature superconductors, low-dimensional magnets, conducting interfaces between oxide materials, quasi 2-dimensional materials, etc.
The group has a long experience in synchrotron based experiments in condensed matter physics. In particular we study electronic and magnetic properties of thin films, multilayers, and bulk systems of metals and oxides, 3d- and 4f - electron Systems employing techniques ranging from X-ray scattering and absorption experiments, pump probe techniques using femtosecond lasers to photoemission electron microscopy and photo electron spectroscopy/diffration.
The group uses x-rays focused to sub-micron sizes to do spectroscopy and microscopy of polymers and magnetic materials. In addition it develops novel instrumentation like the combination of an x-ray and a scanning probe microscope.
The group works on experimental studies of beyond-equilirium ultrafast phenomena in condensed matter.
It develops and operates the Bernina Instrument of SwissFEL, which is presently under commissioning and performing first pilot experiments. Homepage Bernina Group
Photons for Engineering and Manufacturing
The group performs research on structural and mechanical properties of metals and alloys. The approach is largely based on a combination of neutron and Xray diffraction methods with conventional experimental characterization techniques and computational simulation methods. The group is closely linked to the Laboratory for Neutrons and Xrays for Mechanics of Materials (NXMM), of the Institut des Matériaux at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) through its head Prof. Dr. Helena Van Swygenhoven. Homepage Photons for Engineering an Manufacturing Group
