Team

Quant2M-STM: Magnetism and Quantum Materials Studied by STM

Scientific activity

We study magnetism and quantum materials using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). We have two systems operating in an ultra-high vacuum at cryogenic temperatures (4.2 K and 350 mK). The latter is equipped with a vector magnetic field and microwave lines (DC–20 GHz). Using these instruments, we can measure the spectroscopy of electronic states at the atomic scale, as well as the spectrum of spin excitations (CW-ESR-STM) and quantum dynamics by measuring relaxation and coherence times via pulsed ESR-STM.

Our expertise includes surface preparation (Ag, Au, W, Re, Ir) and material growth (Ag/MgO), which serve as substrates for isolating and studying individual magnetic centers (adatoms or molecules). Our work also focuses on adatoms and molecules deposited on in-situ cleaved semiconductors (InAs, GaAs, transition metal dichalcogenides), as well as on substitution magnetic dopants. Thematically, we focus on quantum magnetic orders, such as the Haldane or Majorana chains. We also explore van der Waals heterostructures exhibiting anomalous quantum phases (integer or fractional), i.e., possessing intrinsic magnetic order.

© STMC2N, 2025

Figure: Iron adatoms on InAs, forming spin chains whose spectrum is studied at the atomic scale.