This axis deals with “nanoscience” considered in a broad sense. Phenomena are studied from the point of view of fundamental properties when the dimensions of an object become as small as some characteristic length scales (coherence length, mean free path…).
Spatial confinement below the relevant length scales — such as domain size, quantum coherence length, superconducting correlation length, spin characteristic length… — gives rise to new structural and quantum effects and renders nano-objects fundamentally different from bulk materials. The research axis covers the physics of these nano-materials, from their structural to their electronic, magnetic and optical properties. We explore these properties both experimentally and theoretically in a large variety of systems, such as thin layers, nanowires, dots, graphene, nanotubes or topological insulators.
Scientific teams: