Thin Film Growth

Professor Skinner's research interests centre on the properties and structures of ion conducting oxides, with emphasis on the idenification and characterisation of new materials using in- situ high temperature techniques such as x-ray and neutron powder diffraction techniques, secondary ion mass spectrometry and low energy ion scattering. This work has potential applications in the development of solid oxide fuel cell, electrolysis and permeation membranes and more has been identified as having application in the field of novel solid state gas sensors.

Professor Mary ryan's current research is in the area of applied electrochemistry and corrosion, with a focus on deposition of nanostructures and the study of self-forming nanocrystalline oxides; as well as fundamental work on degradation and stability of metal systems.

Peter's research interest is in the new material issues for development of nano-scale thin films and devices: fabrication of functional oxides based nano-scale multilayered structures; advanced methods for examining their structure and testing their electrical properties, and their implementation into microwave devices. He is the author of more than 50 scientific papers and inventor of four patent applications (two of them owned by Ericsson AB) which are now granted patents.

Professor Sandrine Heutz’ research interests focus on functional molecular materials for sustainable and efficient technologies.  In particular, she is interested in exploiting the electron charge and spin for new computing methodologies.  She runs an interdisciplinary group that tackles growth of thin films and nanostructures, advanced characterisation and device applications. 

Professor Neil Alford runs the Physical Electronics and Thin Film Materials group in the Department of Materials, Imperial College. The group have internationally recognised expertise in Pulsed Laser Deposition of ferroelectric based thin films and multilayer structures and their application for microwave tuneable devices.

Prof Thornton's research focusses on structure/property relations of metal oxide surfaces and nanostructures, particularly of TiO2, with a shift in emphasis towards solid/liquid interfaces relevant to light harvesting applications. Scanning probe, laser and related instruments are employed, as well as synchrotron radiation and laser facilities at Harwell Lab.

Prof Jackman's research interests are in diamond electronics.