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The main NMS research areas combine growth,
characterisation and device assembly. In particular, we work on growth and
characterization of diamond-like carbon, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and
semiconductor nanowires for coating, optoelectronics and sensing
applications. We have a strong focus on the non-linear optical properties
of nanotubes for applications in photonic devices. We also pursue the
non-destructive characterization of carbon films, devising innovative ways
to probe their structure and tailor it to get better mechanical, optical
and electronic properties. We have a leading activity on the application of
Raman spectroscopy to carbon films and nanomaterials. All our experimental
work is paralleled by first principles calculations and modelling. Thus, we
have a comprehensive approach to nanotechnology: we can design and grow new
materials, characterize them, implement them into devices and investigate
their fundamental properties. We have several projects funded by the EPSRC,
the Royal Society, Europe, The Newton and Leverhulme trusts, and we enjoy
close collaborations with several companies.
Our facilities and expertise are also available, by arrangement, for
other researchers and for industries to analyse any materials of interest.
Consulting on nanomaterials and spectroscopy applications is also offered.
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The successful application of nanomaterials
for nanotechnology faces four main challenges: materials preparation,
characterization, device fabrication and integration. The physical
properties of nanomaterials strongly depend on their atomic-scale structure,
size and chemistry but also on their organisation and aggregation. To fully
exploit the technological advantages offered by these self-assembled
molecular structures it is essential to acquire the ability to select,
control and manipulate individual or aggregated nanomaterials. There has
been much progress in the synthesis and characterization of nanostructures
such as nanotubes, nano-crystals, atomic wires, organic and biological
nanostructures, molecular junctions and graphene layers. However, immense
challenges remain in understanding their properties and interactions with
external probes to realize their tremendous potential for applications.
Some of the frontiers in nanoscience include molecular electronics,
nano-scale opto-electronic devices, nanomechanics, light harvesting and
emitting nanostructures. Nanotubes, nanowires and graphene dominate the
pursuit for materials for future nanotechnology applications. The NMS group
aims to give a significant contribution in each of these exciting research
areas.
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