Our lab

As part of the Centre for Designer Quantum Materials, we operate a bespoke suite of tools for integrated materials growth, characterisation and spectroscopy, housed within a modern lab space in the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Molecular-beam epitaxy

We operate two DCA R450 molecular-beam epitaxy systems, optimised for the growth of transition-metal oxides and selenides, respectively, and are currently developing a new home-built system dedicated to telluride growth. These growth systems enable the atomically-precise growth of thin-films and heterostructure of a wide array of different compounds, including hybrid oxy-chalcogenides via a direct ultra-high vacuum connection between the growth modules. Substrates can be prepared in one of several ultra-high vacuum preparation chambers, or can be exfoliated in an Ar-filled glove box attached to our vacuum system.

Materials characterisation

We have access to extensive thin-film materials characterisation capabilities, including a glove-box-based atomic force microscope (Park NX10) and a thin-film x-ray diffractometer (Bruker Discover D8). Additional capabilities in the department allow for routine electrical (Quantum Design PPMS), magnetic (Quantum Design MPMS) and structural (Photonic Science Laue) characterisation, as well as processing our fabricated films into devices.

Spin- and angle-resolved photoemission

We operate a Specs Phoibos 225 spectrometer for angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), and a MB Scientific A1 spectrometer with multiplexed spin detection for spin-resolved ARPES. We have a mixture of He plasma, X-ray and laser light sources, and custom sample manipulators allowing cooling the sample to $\approx5$ K with 6 degrees of freedom sample motion.

We also regularly use national and international facilities, including Diamond Light Source, Max-IV, and the Artemis capability of the UK Central Laser Facility. We can transfer samples to these facilities using vacuum suitcases, which can be docked to our growth system to maintain a pristine surface.

Software

We develop bespoke software for instrument control and advanced data analysis. We have recently released the peaks package, which provides an extensive suite of Python tools to aid in the analysis of angle-resolved photoemission data.

Using our systems

Our growth, spectroscopy, and materials characterisation systems are avialble for use, both on a collaborative and contracted basis. Please contact Phil if you are interested in discussing this possibility further.