Atomic Manipulation and Spectroscopy Group

Open PhD and Postdoc positions

For more information please refer to ICN Jobs

Research topics

Low-dimensional materials are key players in nanotechnology. The focus of our group is on fundamental concepts in magnetism and molecular electronics. We aim at controlling the interplay of the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of nanosized systems such as metal nanoparticles, layered heterostructures, and functional organic materials in one- and two-dimensional surface-confined environments. We combine scanning tunneling microscopy techniques with synchrotron radiation spectroscopy in order to link microscopic phenomena to macroscopic observables that are relevant for the development of molecular electronic devices and magnetic materials.

(a) STM image of individual Co atoms deposited on a Pt surface. (b) Magnetization at 5 K measured by x-ray magnetic circular dichroism [see Science 300, 1130 (2003)]. (c) The enhanced spin and orbital magnetic moment and giant magnetic anisotropy energy of Co atoms on Pt reveal that control of the atomic coordination in nanosized supported particles can be exploited to obtain uncommon magnetic properties.

Selected publications:

Element-resolved x-ray ferrimagnetic and ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy

G. Boero et al., New J. Phys. 10, 013011 (2008)

Surface characterization of MnGe and MnCrGe dilute magnetic semiconductors

P. Gambardella et al., Phys. Rev. B 75, 125211 (2007)

X-ray ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy

G. Boero et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 87, 152503 (2005)

Oscillatory magnetic anisotropy in one-dimensional atomic wires

P. Gambardella et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 077203 (2004)

Giant magnetic anisotropy of single Co atoms and nanoparticles

P. Gambardella et al., Science 300, 1130 (2003)

Localized magnetic states of Fe, Co, and Ni impurities on alkali metal films

P. Gambardella et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 047202 (2002)

Ferromagnetism in one-dimensional monatomic metal chains

P. Gambardella et al., Nature 416, 301 (2002)

Oxygen dissociation at Pt steps

P. Gambardella et al.,Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 056103 (2001)

One-dimensional metal chains on Pt vicinal surfaces

P. Gambardella et al., Phys. Rev. B 61, 2254 (2000)

For further information please contact:

pietro.gambardella.icn (at) uab.es