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We push the boundaries of classical imaging and spectroscopy techniques by venturing into the realm of structures and phenomena at the nanometre scale. We examine not only the structures themselves, but also their properties, from 2D to hybrid nanostructures, through cellular membranes and polymers. Our goal is to understand how these systems function at a fundamental level and how their structure and chemical composition affect their properties. Consequently, we aim to establish whether and how we can control their properties.

We employ advanced techniques, the two most significant of which are scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (sSNOM) and atomic force microscopy – infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR). Both of these scanning probe techniques combine AFM with IR illumination: s-SNOM detects IR light scattered by the AFM probe, whereas AFM-IR records the mechanical response of the illuminated sample using AFM detection. These are supplemented by tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) and various atomic force microscopy (AFM) modes, including Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and conductive AFM (c-AFM). These approaches are combined into one versatile system that allows us to perform correlative experiments, investigate samples at the nanometre scale and infer their chemical composition, as well as address a plethora of other properties. These studies can be performed under ambient conditions, at elevated temperatures, or in environments that more closely resemble real-world conditions — such as in liquid — which is particularly important for biological systems.

Our research develops in two complementary directions. Firstly, our condensed matter physics work involves investigating the structural, electronic and optical properties of crystal surfaces, two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, and layered semiconductors, and other nanostructures. Secondly, our biophysical and biochemical research focuses on the structure, dynamics and function of biological systems at the molecular level, with a particular emphasis on cellular membrane behaviour. Combining these two areas enables us to develop modern research approaches that deepen our understanding of the systems under study and allow us to design functional materials and future-oriented solutions.