Department of Applied Physics

Advanced Nanomaterials & Devices

It is fascinating how materials properties at the nanoscale can be radically changed by means of size, crystal structure or surface states. We focus on new nanomaterial systems and investigate their properties.

Fascinating nanowires and exciting research areas

Our research group exploits the properties of new nanomaterials; their unusual structural, optical, thermal, and electronic properties for future applications. Research in our group centers around nanowires since these offer an unprecedented level of flexibility and control. The versatility of their material composition allows envisioning new applications in chemistry, physics, engineering science and bioscience.

Work with us!

Please check out the TU/e Vacancies page for further opportunities within our group. 

9 staff positions for female candidates in the Department of Applied Physics

All positions are open from May 15, 2019, and are open only to female candidates in the framework of the new Irène Curie Fellowship program of TU/e. Review of applications will begin immediately upon receipt, and continue until the positions are filled, with the last date for applications being November 15, 2019.

News

May 9, 2019
28 years old and closer than ever to the solving of the mystery of the Majorana particles
Behind the efforts to solve one of the biggest challenges of particle physics – the proof of the existence of Majorana particles - is the work of a young PhD...
Read more
March 28, 2019
New nanomaterial to definitively demonstrate teleportation of Majorana particles
Erik Bakkers receives ERC Advanced Grant of 2.5 million euros.
Read more
More news
New quantum sensor could improve cancer treatment
March 5, 2019
‘In 2019 we will conclusively prove the existence of Majorana particles'
December 17, 2018
Improved measurements bring final proof of Majorana particles closer than ever
March 28, 2018

Quantum Materials

Developing majorana building blocks for quantum computers

We synthesize materials and nanoscale devices which exhibit unconventional quantum-physical effects. As a major achievement we have proven the existence of Majorana fermions at the interface of an InSb nanowire with a superconductor. Ultimately we aim at creating Majorana fermions as building blocks for quantum computation.

Meet some of our Researchers

Full Professor

Erik Bakkers

Associate Professor

Jos Haverkort

Light from Si

Adding intra-chip and chip-to-chip communication at the speed of light

We have developed a generic approach to grow defect-free hexagonal SiGe nanowires with tunable composition, potentially featuring a direct bandgap. We aim to develop a Hex-SiGe nanolaser on a silicon platform. This will serve as a game-changer for the electronics industry, integrating electronic and optical functionalities.

Examples of AND Research Projects

Explore our research through this slider of past and present projects

Array of vertical nanowires

Uniform GaAs nanowire 'pencils'

Crossed nanowire device

Nanowire hashtag

Ballistic nanowire network

Thermoelectric nanowire device

Renewable Energy

Developing more efficient, cheaper solar cells and novel thermoelectric components

We develop generations of very high efficiency solar cells where the actual harvesting of solar energy is performed in arrays of III/V semiconductor nanowires. We also investigate efficient harvesting of thermal energy using crystalline semiconductor nanowires, enabling direct generation of electrical power from heat.

Recent Publications

Our most recent peer reviewed publications

Student Opportunities

Are you a student interested in graduating or doing a project within the Advances Nanomaterials Devices group? Join us! More information

PHOTONDELTA FAST CAREER TRACK PROGRAM

During the past 30 years the explosive growth of the internet has radically altered our lives. Photonics, the technology that uses light to transmit information, has played a key role in this revolution. The next years will see even more radical changes in areas such as communications, healthcare, agro-food, energy supply and mobility. The market is growing fast and thousands of jobs will be created. TU/e is the place to start a career in this field.

Do you want to be part of this future?

Then you should consider the new PhotonDelta Fast Career Track program. This program involves TU/e Master students in Applied Physics or Electrical Engineering in photonics research and applications from the start. You will participate to exciting research projects, define new photonic-based solutions to industrial problems, network with peers and professionals, and get first-hand contact with companies hiring in this field. Read more

Interested? For registration or questions, please send an email to photonicscareer@tue.nl

State-of-the-art Facilities

For our research we have state-of-the-art labs and equipment available:

  • The NanoLab@TU/e offers a unique combination of equipment for developing optical chips and other applications based on compound semiconductor technology.
  • Two optics labs: one is focused on photoluminescence measurements in the visible and near-infrared range (400-1600 nm). We can do temperature dependent and time-resolved measurements. In the other lab we focus on detection of emission in the infrared range using a FTIR spectrometer.
  • Thermoelectrics lab: we use two probestation set-ups in which we can measure thermal and electronic transport through individual nanowires.
  • We use Metal-Organic Vapor-Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE), and Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) for the growth of nanowires. We have an Aixtron Close Coupled Showerhead (CCS) for the growth of hexagonal semiconductors and an Aixtron 200/4 with 2 chambers, of which one is used for InSb and the other for InP-based semiconductors. We use a Createc MBE cluster system for the growth of III-V nanowires, II-IV-VI nanowires, and superconductors.

CENTER FOR QUANTUM MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY EINDHOVEN (QT/e)

We are part of a worldwide race to control the quantum states of elementary particles, and to integrate them in technology platforms. This so-called second quantum revolution will enable exponential advances in many fields of research and technology.

 

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