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David McComb

Dr David McComb's photograph. Credit: Les Roberts, Greenapple Productions
  • Analysis of thin films and interfaces using analytical electron microscopy
  • Synthesis and characterisation of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous thin films
  • Development and use of electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) for investigation of advanced materials
  • Investigation of structure-property relationships in advanced materials using EELS
  • Synthesis of novel functional materials for optoelectronic applications
  • Development of analytical electron microscopy techniques for near-atomic resolution analysis
Contact details:
Office: Room 109, Royal School of Mines Building
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7594 6750
Ext: 46750
Fax: +44 (0)20 7594 6757
Email: d.mccombimperial.ac.uk

Research Interests
Current research concentrates on the development and application of nanoanalytical electron microscopy techniques for the study of chemistry, structure and bonding at interfaces. In addition the group is developing novel approaches to the formation multifunctional three-dimensionally ordered solids for arrange of applications.  David leads a research group of seventeen people and has published 90 papers and patents.

Other Activities

Teaching:

  • Lecturing at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
  • Management and teaching of an undergraduate laboratory course
  • Tutoring in academic and non-academic tutorials
  • Supervising a range of undergraduate projects – from case studies to research projects
  • Departmental careers advisor for undergraduates

External Positions:

  • Chairman, IoP Electron Microscopy and Analysis Group
  • Member, EPSRC College
  • Member, Council of Royal Microscopical Society

Membership of professional bodies:

  • Royal Society of Chemistry, Fellow FRSC CChem
  • Institute of Physics, Member CPhys
  • Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, Member


Recent Publications

  • Khan, I, Cunningham, D, Littleford, RE, et al , From micro to nano: Analysis of surface-enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy active sites via multiscale correlations, ANAL CHEM, 2006, Vol: 78, Pages: 224 - 230, ISSN: 0003-2700, [download]
  • Khan, IR, Cunningham, D, Lazar, S, et al , A TEM and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) investigation of active and inactive silver particles for surface enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy (SERRS), FARADAY DISCUSS, 2006, Vol: 132, Pages: 171 - 178, ISSN: 1364-5498, [download]

These papers describe for the first time a method for multiscale correlation of spectroscopic probes.  It is shown that it is possible to relate surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) from nanoparticles with measurements of the surface plasmon resonance using EELS in the electron microscope.  This major achievement allows the spatial distribution of the plasmon on individual and aggregated nanoparticles to be studied with the knowledge of which particles exhibit a SERRS effect and which do not.  It is demonstrated that the surface plasmon varies between particles and within particles.  These publications open up the possibility of addressing two key areas in nanoparticle plasmonic research.  Firstly, we can provide experimental evidence to support or challenge theories on the origin of the surface enhancement effect.  Fundamental understanding of the effect is essential to realise the potential of SERRS from nanoparticles as a detection technique to meet the ever increasing demands for more sensitive and more selective analysis methods for targets such as bioanalytes including DNA, antibodies and enzymes and for illicit drugs and explosives.  Secondly, we can investigate the spatial variation of surface plasmons in particles with unprecedented spatial and energy resolution.  This information will improve understanding of the fundamental physics and aid the development of localised models for surface plasmon behaviour.

  • MacKenzie,M., Craven,A.J., McComb,D.W., et al , Interfacial reactions in a HfO2/TiN/poly-Si gate stack (Article no.192112), Applied Physics Letters, 2006, Vol: 88, Pages: 1 - 3, ISSN: 0003-6951, [download]

This publication illustrates the power of electron energy-loss spectroscopy as a characterization technique.  When carried out in a modern nano-analytical electron microscope it is shown that this method can provide insights into the chemical and bonding environments at interfaces in thin film devices.  Such information is critical for the continued development of such structures for device applications.

  • McLachlan, M.A., De La Rue, R.M., Johnson, N.P. and McComb, D.W., “Thin Film Photonic Crystals: Synthesis and Characterisation” J Mat. Chem. 14 (2004) 144-150, [donwload]

This paper describes the factors that must be considered if one is to produce high quality PCs by a self-assembly approach.  The results of our investigations into these parameters are described and protocol for the production of low defect density structures.  The importance of this extends far beyond photonics as it provides a basis for the development of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous solids in the form of robust thin films for potential applications in areas such as fuel cells, catalysis, sensors and other multifunctional devices.  We are already implementing our knowledge and expertise to produce ferroelectric, piezoelectric and magnetic thin films with highly ordered porosity.

Biography

  • Co-Director, London Centre for Nanotechnology (2007-present)
  • Reader, Imperial College London (2005-present)
  • Senior Lecturer, Imperial College London (2003-2005)
  • Senior Lecturer, University of Glasgow (2002-2003)
  • Lecturer, University of Glasgow (1996-2002)
  • Senor Research Associate, Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research at McMaster University, Canada – nano-analytical electron microscopy (1994-1995)
  • Senior Research Associate at Steacie Institite for Molecular Sciences at CNRC in Ottawa, Canada – scanning tunneling microscopy (1992-1994)
  • Research Fellow, Cambridge concurrently holding fellowships from the Royal Commission for the 1851 Exhibition and Corpus Christi College (1990-1992)
  • PhD Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge (1990)
  • BSc Chemistry, University of Glasgow (1987)

Research

Image 1: Image of InAs quantum dots recorded using the FEI Titan 80-300 (S)TEM

 Image 2: SEM image of a cross-section from a thin film opal template for the formation of multifunctional three-dimensionally ordered macroporous solids.