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The pace of modern technological development - from microelectronics to catalysts, to coatings - is driven by
fundamental breakthroughs in fabricating novel nano-structured materials. Such materials often promise unique or
enhanced physical characteristics, such as strong magnetisation or unusual reactivity. These characteristics will
derive from, but can also be compromised by, subtle, atomic-scale structural variations. In each case,
nano-resolved characterization is essential and full understanding of a material demands multiple state-of-the-art
experimental probes. The probes used in my research include beams of electrons, atoms, ions, and photons, as
well as physical devices such as the tip of an atomic force microscope. Each probe has its advantages and its
limitations and the best studies of nanostructured material combine the results from several probes in order to develop
a complete description.
A selection of my recent projects is given below. The uppermost projects derive from my time in Glasgow, whilst
some of those below are based on collaboration with colleagues in Cambridge, where more information can be found.
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In addition to high resolution, high magnification images of materials, electron microscopes can also
provide crucial information on the local chemistry. As the electron beam of the microscope
passes through the sample, a small proportion will lose energy in processes that are characteristic
of the material. Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) is a technique that uses those
processes to map a material's composition, structure and function on nanometre lengthscales. It can be
used to determine the local oxidation state of species and their bonding environment; for example one recent
study revealed the inadvertent oxidation of an thin-film electrode, helping to explain an unusual
electronic response when used within a device.
Publications: 25,27,28,30.
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