Ion-beam based materials research
At the Tandem Laboratory we use energetic ions to accurately characterise chemical composition and structure of different materials at the nanoscale. We can also precisely modify materials properties to obtain a desired functionality.
At the Tandem Laboratory we do research in a wide range of fields related to materials. Our research covers fundamental research questions within natural science as well as applied topics relevant to industry and society. The common denominator of our research is the use of accelerated ions for modification and analysis. Three of our accelerators are dedicated to materials research covering a wide range of energies and techniques for different applications.
The development of energy materials, such as solar cells, photo- and electrochromic materials as well as materials relevant for a hydrogen economy, profits from advanced materials analysis at the Tandem Laboratory. We also form a node in the fusion research program EUROfusion funded by the European Commission.
Materials research at the Tandem Laboratory
Many everyday applications in engines make use of hard coatings tested using our instrumentation. Thin-film electronics, needed for advancing our digital society, is heavily depending on both materials analysis and modifications using accelerator-based instrumentation. Ion irradiations are used both to test and to develop new electronic components. By ion implantations, material systems, including nanostructures, with new characteristics can be created.
We also continuously work to improve and further develop the instrumentation and techniques in our laboratory. To this aim, we also do fundamental research on ion-solid interactions.
Research groups
- Ion Physics