Research

Our research is focused on the engineering and measurements of phonons and phonon transport in nanostructures.
Our group has the unique characteristic of combining two areas of expertise for the investigation of the phononic properties of nanomaterials: inelastic light scattering spectroscopy and thermal conductivity measurements.
We can realize experiments in different ways, pushing the limits of currently existing experimental techniques, as well as developing new ones.

Space- and time-resolved spontaneous / stimulated Raman Spectroscopy and coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy
Space- and time-resolved hot spot relaxation measurements
Combination of inelastic light scattering and thermal transport experiments using micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS).
Novel method for single nanostructure absorption measurements
Novel measurement platforms for thermal transport

Furthermore, we have dedicated growth facilities for the synthesis of silicon and germanium nano-heterostructures that can be building blocks for quantum computing as well as for phononic circuitry.

manipulation and coherent control of phonons

PHONUIT: Phononic Circuits

This project aims to realize a phononic integrated circuit, where phonons in coherent and/or incoherent form are generated, routed and detected on chip.

Phonon Interference

The objective of this project is the realization of interference experiments with phonons, reaching the same level of complexity that can be achieved with electrons and photons.

Hydronics

The goal of this project is to understand and achieve control over heat and charge transport in the hydrodynamic regime.

Ge-Si Heterostructure Growth

This project aims at developing Ge/Si core/shell NWs and Ge/Ge_(1-x)Si_x QW device stacks with optimized properties for qubit fabrication, in the frame of the NCCR SPIN project.

SPOTS: Spectroscopic PrObes for Topological phononS

High-Sensitive Torque Magnetometry

This project aims at fabricating ultra-sensitive mechanical torque sensors and to design these sensors especially for the investigation of 2D materials – including 2D magnets and van der Waals heterostructures.

PRIMA Grant:

Correlative metrology

This project aims at developing correlative techniques, based on frequency and time-resolved schemes, to further the fundamental understanding of nanoscale heat transport, elastic behavior, and electron-phonon interaction.

GATEWAY: Gating thermal properties with polarization-induced ferroelectrics perovskite systems

This project seeks to realize a proof of concept of electrically-actuated thermal transistor, i.e. a device capable of actively tuning its thermal conductance. This design leverages the unique properties of perovskite ferroelectric oxides, which can be electrically polarized to alter the symmetry of their crystal lattice, thereby modulating thermal conductivity.