Terahertz lights up the nanoscale: Exposing the ultrafast dynamics of Dirac systems using near-field spectroscopy

Lead Research Organisation: University of Manchester
Department Name: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Abstract

As our reliance on technology has increased, so has the demand for faster devices with increased functionality. A perfect example is the mobile phone - starting with the capability to only make calls and send text messages, we now have smartphones that have GPS, step monitors, can search the internet, take photos and videos. Despite this rapid progress, 'smart' devices remain relatively energy-inefficient with high power consumption and low battery life. With today's environmental climate and the increased use of technology, there is a large need for novel '21st-century products' that not only see a step change in device speed but are also energy-efficient. Topological insulators (TIs), in particular, have emerged as potential building blocks for this next-generation of devices. The bulk of the material is insulating, whereas the surface hosts exotic Dirac electrons travelling close to 10,000,000 m/s - 100 times faster than silicon. Due to their topological nature, surface electrons are immune to scattering from non-magnetic impurities and crystal defects. They therefore behave as if travelling on a tramline: faster, with less resistance and less heat production than conventional materials, making them more energy-efficient. Electrons can also only travel in one direction, which is set by their inherent angular momentum or 'spin'. This property is particularly useful for information processing, quantum computing and spintronic applications. To exploit these advantageous properties in a device, an in-depth understanding of key parameters, such as electron mobility (speed) and lifetime, is essential. Although significant progress has been made to probe the elusive properties of these materials, it has proven difficult to isolate the surface from the bulk. Surface-sensitive techniques are required to examine the surface electrons independently and provide an in-depth understanding of the underlying physical mechanisms governing surface transport in these materials.
The terahertz (THz) frequency range - falling in between microwave and infrared radiation - provides the perfect probe for investigating Dirac materials. It is capable of penetrating through several opaque materials, such as plastics, paper and textiles and is currently used in airport body scanners. Yet more excitingly, it can also measure how conductive a material is in a non-contact, non-destructive manner. Far-field THz probes have already been used to examine TI and have revealed that electrons can relax from the bulk to the surface, leading to a reduction in impurity scattering. However, these THz probes have all been limited in spatial resolution. The diffraction limit of light restricts THz radiation to a spot size of 150 microns, so they can only measure an effective conductivity due to both the bulk and the surface. This project aims to push the spatial resolution of THz probes down to nanometre-length scales. By coupling THz radiation to an atomic-force microscope tip, the THz probe can be confined to a spot size only limited by the radius curvature of the tip, providing <30nm spatial resolution. The THz radiation scattered back from the tip and sample contains all the local information about the material conductivity. By oscillating the tip and change the tapping amplitude, the penetration depth of the THz probe can be altered to provide surface-sensitivity. A large tapping amplitude probes the bulk of the material, where a small tapping amplitude probes only the surface. This technique will be utilised on TI thin films and nanostructures to perform differential depth-profiling of the local electron mobility, lifetime and conductivity. This will allow the surface behaviour to be isolated from the bulk and examined directly for the first time. This information will open up a pathway for harnessing the advantageous properties of these Dirac materials to develop novel '21st century products'.

Planned Impact

UK characterisation capability: This research proposal will provide a unique versatility for nano-characterisation of advanced functional materials in the UK. It will provide additional capability to existing THz microscopy systems within the UK and directly feed into current leading facilities provided by the Henry Royce Institute (Royce) and EPSRC, placing the UK at the forefront of materials characterisation. To ensure sustainability and allow for further development of this characterisation facility, I will liaise with neaspec GmbH to design and fabricate custom parts for the THz-SNOM and ensure optimum performance and versatility. This will allow the UK to compete on an international level, becoming a world-leader in THz microscopy and 2D materials research.
Economy: This research will provide additional capability for advanced nanoscale characterisation in the THz range of 'smart' materials. It will provide a vital understanding and control of the optoelectronic properties of novel topological materials, providing a basis for development of these materials in device applications. Topological insulator materials have a variety of applications, in particular in the energy (eg. increased absorption for solar cells), ICT (eg. candidates for ultrafast wireless communication) and technology (eg. faster transistors and nanoelectronics) sectors. As their charge carriers can travel close to the speed of light, these materials are primed to bridge the gap between photonic and electronic devices, drastically increasing the speed at which devices can operate. They are therefore expected to have a large impact on the UK economy, spring-boarding the next-generation of '21st-century' products with increased functionality at a reduced energy consumption. To ensure maximum exploration of applications of these materials, I will highlight key results monthly to an academic and industrial audience via a group website and blog, inviting a UK researcher in the field to contribute to the blog every 6 months to highlight their own work and promote discussion. I will also organise a topical research meeting for the THz and 2D materials community at Manchester for a focused discussion on collaboration opportunities between research groups and industry. I will exploit the industrial connections provided by Manchester and Royce, to explore a route to market for topological nanodevices and to promote increased collaboration with industry.
Society: Understanding these novel 'smart' multifunctional materials will lay the groundwork for developing novel nanodevices that can impact on the lives of the general population. These '21st-century products' have the potential to create a radical change in society by providing faster, multifunctional devices with reduced energy consumption, addressing the GCRF challenge of creating sustainable cities. To maximise societal change, it is important that the general public is engaged in the research and receptive to this change. To ensure this, the PI will undertake outreach activities to engage the general public. While the group website and blog will promote the key research results to an academic audience, she will utilise a group twitter account to promote the results to the general public. I will also produce two videos for YouTube and the group website to introduce the topics of THz spectroscopy and 2D materials to the general public. This research proposal also aims to have an impact on society by creating new British Sign Language words and signed-definitions in association with the Manchester Deaf Centre and Scottish Sensory Centre for key terms related to THz spectroscopy and 2D materials. This terms will be promoted to a wide audience via my SignScience campaign on Twitter, YouTube and website (signingscience.co.uk), which is designed to promote the use of BSL in STEM. This will not only promote accessibility in science but also form a unique way of promoting this research to the general public.
 
Description - This award has proven that terahertz and midinfared spectroscopy can be combined with scattering-type near-field optical microscopy to enable nanoscale optoelectronic characterisation of low-dimensional materials. Key device parameters, such as carrier mobility and carrier concentration, can be mapped in 3D with spatial resolution below 30 nm.
- We have shown that Dirac semi-metals have high mobilities and are generate helicity-dependent narrowband THz radiation, making them promising candidates for device applications.
Exploitation Route Terahertz/midinfrared scattering-type near-field optical microscopy (THz/MIR-SNOM) is a new characterisation technique that requires standardisation. We are partnering with NPL to develop metrology for the technique.
The materials studied in this research proposal are also promising candidates for THz devices, particularly THz emitters, modulators and detectors for ultrafast wireless communication. We have developed an industrial mentorship relationship with Teraview (leading THz company in UK) to explore translation to market of identified materials from this proposal.
The delivery of this new characterisation technique also underpins a UKRI Future Leader Fellowship and EPSRC Programme Grant with partners from across the UK in addition to international partners, who are current working in the area of Quantum Materials and Materials for Energy.
Sectors Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software)

Electronics

Energy

 
Description The development of the CUSTOM facility as part of this research award has had positive impact on external academics, enabling advanced material characterisation in a range of research programmes. It has also been used by industrial companies (mainly SMEs) for non-destructive nanoscale material characterisation for applications including organic electronics and corrosion in coatings. Our research activity has alo led to development of outreach activities that have been presented to general public at science festivals and been featured in a children's book on quantum materials supported by NAME grant. Our results on topological materials have also been used to investigate their application as terahertz sources and we have begun to work with collaborators (through other grants and grant applications) to develop these further by combining with metamaterials or antenna to optimise their performance. We have also developed an open source software package on our SNOM modelling, which has been tested by other group and will be released shortly. This has enabled other academic groups (non-specialist) to analyse data from SNOM measurements to further their insight into their material behaviour.
First Year Of Impact 2022
Sector Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Electronics,Other
Impact Types Cultural

Societal

 
Description Capital Equipment Fund to upgrade CUSTOM facility and host new room-temperature visible s-SNOM at Manchester
Amount £400,000 (GBP)
Organisation National Physical Laboratory 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2023 
End 03/2024
 
Description Cryogenic Ultrafast Scattering-type Terahertz-probe Optical-pump Microscopy (CUSTOM)
Amount £766,806 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/T01914X/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2020 
End 08/2022
 
Description Direct Writing of Nanodevices: A Sustainable Route to Nanofabrication
Amount £1,405,952 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/X016404/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2023 
End 04/2026
 
Description EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing
Amount £6,589,026 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/S024441/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 05/2019 
End 12/2027
 
Description Henry Royce Institute: Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP): Additive Manufacturing of InP Nanostructures for Advanced Photonics
Amount £93,053 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/X527257/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2023 
End 03/2024
 
Description Nanoscale Advanced Materials Engineering
Amount £7,671,801 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/V001914/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2021 
End 03/2026
 
Description Philip Leverhulme Prize: Engineering
Amount £100,000 (GBP)
Funding ID PLP-2019-224 
Organisation The Leverhulme Trust 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2020 
End 07/2022
 
Description Terahertz, Topology, Technology: Realising the potential of nanoscale Dirac materials using near-field terahertz spectroscopy
Amount £1,221,514 (GBP)
Funding ID MR/T022140/1 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 07/2020 
End 07/2025
 
Description UoM Internal Capital Equipment Fund
Amount £230,000 (GBP)
Organisation University of Manchester 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2024 
End 07/2024
 
Description UoM Internal Strategic Equipment Call
Amount £160,000 (GBP)
Organisation University of Manchester 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2022 
End 02/2022
 
Description UoM PhD Studentship
Amount £130,400 (GBP)
Organisation University of Manchester 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2022 
End 04/2026
 
Description UoM PhD studentship
Amount £140,000 (GBP)
Organisation University of Manchester 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2023 
End 07/2027
 
Description s-SNOM NPL Joint Funded Appointment
Amount £40,000 (GBP)
Organisation National Physical Laboratory 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2023 
End 03/2024
 
Description EPFL Collaboration (since 2019) 
Organisation Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL)
Country Switzerland 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution We have provided access to our terahertz characterisation facility; conducted terahertz characterisation of thin film samples for single photon avalanche diodes.
Collaborator Contribution The partners have provided thin film samples for measurement, they are growth experts and have optimised growth parameters for application in single photon avalanche diodes. They have also provided complimentary optoelectronic characterisation (PL)
Impact This collaboration has led to a publication in Materials Advances (DOI: 10.1039/d1ma00922b) and presentation at international conference. The project is ongoing and forms part of a PhD studentship project.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Leeds Collaboration 
Organisation University of Leeds
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution - Expertise in development of scattering-type near-field microscopy in the terahertz range (THz-SNOM) and analysis and interpretation of SNOM results. - Characterisation of topological materials using broadband room-temperature and cryogenic THz-SNOM systems. - Access to ultrafast laser facility and CUSTOM facility (EP/T01914X/1)
Collaborator Contribution - Provision of topological insulator thin films for characterisation - Expertise in THz characterisation and topological behaviour - Provision of designer THz-QCLs for use with SNOM - Access to QCL-based THz SNOM and ultrafast THz characterisation facilities
Impact - Collaboration on work packages in EPSRC Programme Grant (EP/V001914/1). - Submission of invited contribution on THz near-field imaging for publication '2023 Terahertz Science and Technology Roadmap' in Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics.
Start Year 2019
 
Description NPL Collaboration 
Organisation National Physical Laboratory
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution - Expertise in development of THz scattering near-field optical microscopy (THz-SNOM) systems, analysis and interpretation of results - Contribution to development of metrology for SNOM techniques - Access to ultrafast laser facility in Photon Science Institute at University of Manchester - Access to CUSTOM facility (EP/T01914X/1) - room-temperature and cryogenic SNOM systems with preliminary measurements on topological insulator nanowires
Collaborator Contribution - Access to microscopy systems within NPL, including room-temperature SNOM systems with variety of sources (QCL and broadband), Kerr microscopy and TERS - Expertise in metrology of microscopy techniques - Expertise topological systems, graphene and 2D materials
Impact - Two joint PhD studentships between NPL, UCL and Manchester, funded through EPSRC-funded CDT working on terahertz microscopy of low-dimensional materials: the first started in October 2021 and is co-supervised by Dr Olga Kazakova; the 2nd starts in October 2022 and is co-supervised by Dr Mira Naftaly. - University of Manchester hosting NPL equipment alongside CUSTOM facility to provide expertise in its installation and operation. - Visiting research positions in progress for Dr Olga Kazakova and Dr Jess Boland
Start Year 2019
 
Description Oxford Collaboration (Topological Insulator Materials and Terahertz Characterisation) 
Organisation University of Oxford
Department Department of Physics
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have characterised the provided materials using ultrafast terahertz spectroscopy and microscopy, providing access to ultrafast laser facilities and the recently-funded CUSTOM facility (EP/T01914X/1) within the Photon Science Institute at University of Manchester to conduct these measurements.
Collaborator Contribution One research group in Oxford (Prof Thorsten Hesjedal) have provided topological insulator and Dirac semi-metal nanowire samples for optoelectronic characterisation. Another research group (Prof. Michael Johnston) have provided access to terahertz characterisation facilities and expertise in terahertz spectroscopy.
Impact - Oral presentation at IRMMW-THz 2020 on experimental results on these materials (DOI: 10.1109/IRMMW-THz46771.2020.9370806) - Manuscript submission to Nature Communications
Start Year 2019
 
Description Regensburg Collaboration 
Organisation University of Regensburg
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution - Assisted in development of THz-SNOM and conducted preliminary SNOM measurements on transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) heterostructures, assisted in data interpretation and manuscript writing on this project. - Conducted preliminary far-field THz spectroscopy measurements on topological insulator thin films
Collaborator Contribution They have provided topological insulator thin films for study at University of Manchester and hosted an academic stay to conduct preliminary measurements on TMDC heterostructures. They have also conducted data analysis, interpretation and manuscript writing on TMDC heterostructure project.
Impact - Oral presentation of work at Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO) 2020 and IRMMW-THz 2020 - Demonstration of new technique - ultrafast near-field optical-pump terahertz-probe spectroscopy - as a new contact-free tool for mapping interlayer tunnelling in heterostructures. - Publication of manuscript in Nature Photonics demonstrating use of new technique on van-der-Waals heterostructures.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Toronto Collaboration 
Organisation University of Toronto
Country Canada 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have provided access to CUSTOM facility for preliminary terahertz nanoscale characterisation of nanoparticle metamaterial structures. We have also provide access to other optoelectronic characterisation techniques, including photoluminescence, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy.
Collaborator Contribution The group in Toronto (Prof. Kherani) have provided nanoparticle metamaterials structures for characterisation. They also form part of a feedback loop between sample growth, nanoscale doping and nanoscale characterisation.
Impact - MITACS exchange grant to support a researcher from Toronto visiting Manchester (CUSTOM facility) to conduct terahertz characterisation of nanoparticle samples. - Pump-prime funded access to CUSTOM for initial measurements on nanoparticle samples.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Warwick Collaboration 
Organisation University of Warwick
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The terahertz group in Warwick have provided pump-prime funded access to their ultrafast spectroscopy facility and expertise in terahertz and ultrafast optoelectronic characterisation.
Collaborator Contribution We are providing access to the CUSTOM facility for proof-of-concept measurements and expertise in nanoscale terahertz and ultrafast optoelectronic characterisation.
Impact - Currently have 2 PhD students working together on GeSn project. - Publication generated from use of Warwick facility (DOI: 10.1039/D1MA00922B (Paper) Mater. Adv., 2022, 3, 1295-1303). - Members from Warwick have also joined annual meetings for UK Network on THz microscopy and quantum materials. - Worked on invited section on roadmap article together (J Lloyd-Hughes et al 2021 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 33 353001).
Start Year 2020
 
Description 2023 Annual Disability Lecture: Going beyond standards in technology and accessibility 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact I gave the annual disability lecture at University of Oxford, which was broadcast live and recorded. The lecture was public and focused on my career, current research and promoting accessibility in STEM. It was attended by over 100 people and introduced by EDI lead at university, who took some recommendations away from the event.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Annual topical meeting on terahertz microscopy and quantum materials 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Network meeting for UK researchers working on application on terahertz spectroscopy and microscopy on quantum materials. The main aim was to present current research in this field in the UK; share details of terahertz characterisation and material growth capability at each institution; to forge new collaborations and research activity within the network that could form the basis for future programme grants.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020,2022
 
Description Co-organised a 'Workshop on Functional Materials Applications: From Energy to Sensing' at SPIE Photonex 2022 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact A session on topological materials was organised within the 'Workshop on Functional Materials and Applications' for SPIE Photonex 2022. This involved liaising with SPIE organisers and inviting speakers for the session. The talks were given to an audience of ~30 in the focused sessions and they sparked interest in current research in NAME programme grant and CUSTOM facility and potential future collaborations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Engineering the Future conference: materials for quantum symposium 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Organised a symposium on 'Materials for Quantum' at the Engineering the Future conference at University of Manchester, which was attended by approximately 50 attendees, who were from both local quantum companies and academics. The aim was to showcase the quantum activity at Manchester to the local research community to spark new collaborations. Some interest into use of research facilities was sparked by the event and a follow-up event has been organised to discuss centre for quantum science and engineering at Manchester.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Institute of Physics Branch Lecture: A Journey in Physics 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Institute of physics branch lecture entitled 'A Journey in Physics' detailing my career journey and experiences, with the aim of encouraging school children into physics. The audience had approximately 50 people, including students and parents. There was some discussion afterwards and great feedback and request to repeat it within local schools.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description International Women's Day Technical Excellence Panel 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Panel discussion of technical staff discussing challenges for career development and progression within research environments. Outcomes were recommendations for improving their experiences within research groups. Approximately 30 people attended and there was discussion from audience.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Interview for STEMM untapped podcast 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Conducted an interview for STEMM untapped podcast about career journey, current research and how disability has affected career. The interview was conducted by school students and recorded for the podcast series. After the interview, the students reported a change in opinions and asked to keep in touch.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Invited Seminar for EPSRC Compound Semiconductors CDT 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact This invited seminar was aimed at postgraduate students on the EPSRC-funded Compound Semiconductor CDT. It's main aim was to present current research funded by the EPSRC New Investigator Award and EPSRC Future Leader Fellowship and recruit high-quality PhD students to work on this research. It resulted in recruitment of a PhD student who is ranked top of their cohort.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Invited Talk at IOP Webinar on 'Next Steps for Physics Graduates' 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact A presentation was given at an online webinar hosted by Institute of Physics describing research opportunities (quantum-focussed) available for physics undergraduates and postgraduates. The event was attended live by ~ 50 people and it was recorded and made available to IOP members across the UK.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Invited Talk for Breaking Barriers series hosted by Warwick Chemical Postdoctoral Society and supported by Royal Society of Chemistry. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact 20 members of the Faculty, including academics and PhD students, attended this talk. The main aim of the talk was to promote my current research funded by EPSRC New Investigator Award and also promote accessibility and barriers affecting disabled researchers in STEM. Some of the best practise presented in the talk (e.g. use of subtitles, microphones) has since been implemented at their seminar series. It also aided in raising awareness of accessibility issues in STEM.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Invited panelist for International Women's Day 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact Invited to take part in a panel session on 'Building Confidence in Research' for International Women's Day. This was an opportunity to discuss research and inspire undergraduate and postgraduate students to pursue research and discuss ways of navigating academia and dealing with imposter syndrome.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Invited presentation on 'Topological nanowires as candidates for controllable THz sources' at Rank Prize Symposium on Nanowire Photonics 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited presentation at Rank Prize Symposium on Nanowire Photonics
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Invited seminar entitled 'A Journey in Physics' 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact An invited outreach presentation for the Institute of Physics as part of their branch lecture series. The talk was given at Loretto Sixth From college and attend by ~30 participants including general public, school teachers and school students. There was a lot of discussion and questions after the talk and a few students reported renewed interest in physics and this area of research and kept in contact after the event.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Invited seminar on 'Revealing the optoelectronic properties of semiconductor nanostructures using terahertz spectroscopy and microscopy' 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited seminar on 'Revealing the optoelectronic properties of semiconductor nanostructures using terahertz spectroscopy and microscopy' for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that advertised the CUSTOM facility and research into terahertz characterisation of nanomaterials. This talk led to discussions around collaboration and use of facility.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Invited seminar on 'Terahertz, Technology and Telecoil Loops' 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Invited seminar celebrating Disability History Month discussing current research activity on terahertz characterisation of quantum materials and experiences as a disabled academic promoting accessibility in STEM.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Invited seminar on reducing barriers for people with disabilities 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Invited presentation on accessibility in STEM and how barriers can be reduced for disabled researchers. The talk was given online to researchers and the EDI committee in Queen Mary University London and promoted discussion and questions on accessibility in STEM. Recommendations presented were taken on board by the EDI committee for implantation within their institution.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Invited talk on 'Non-destructive 3D imaging and spectroscopy of surfaces via near-field optical microscopy' 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited talk at the UK Surface Analysis Forum. This presentation advertised the CUSTOM facility and SNOM capability at Manchester, as well as showing applications of SNOM for characterisation of quantum materials and other advanced functional materials (biomaterials and semiconductors). This presentation sparked interest in new collaborations at the University of Manchester, namely correlation of atomic probe microscopy with SNOM applications. It also sparked interest in terahertz spectroscopy and some industrial work.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Invited talk on 'Non-destructive nanoscale material characterisation via terahertz and midinfrared scattering-type near field optical microscopy (THz s-SNOM)' 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited presentation at UK AFM and SPM Meeting to advertise SNOM capability, CUSTOM facility and current quantum materials research at University of Manchester. This has led to further engagement with the community and advertisement of SNOM network.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Jessica Boland - Impurity characterisation on nanometre length scales via near-field terahertz spectroscopy 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Advanced Electronic and Photonic Materials Conference Royce/SPIE
7 - 8 September 2022
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://spie.org/conferences-and-exhibitions/advanced-electronic-and-photonic-materials?SSO=1
 
Description Keynote talks on 'Topological Dirac semi-metals as novel, optically-switchable, helicity-dependent terahertz sources' at IRMMW-THz 2022 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact This presentation was an invited keynote talk associated with IRMMW-THz Zhenyi Wang award to promote my current research on near-field microscopy and terahertz spectroscopy of topological insulator materials. The talk was well received and the work was promoted for publication and further study with device applications.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Member of EPSRC CDT on Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Education Board 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Invited as a CDT supervisor to act as a member of the EPSRC CDT on Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Education board to provide feedback on skills and training for PhD students on CDT.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022,2023
 
Description New Scientist Live 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Interactive demonstrations presented to the general public at New Scientist Live event to explain current research activities. Demonstrations included: water droplet demonstration to explain pump-probe experiments, laser maze game to explain spectroscopy, interactive activity throwing toy balls at material, explaining ion implantation.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description New Scientist Live 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Demonstrated a laser maze game to the general public, and explained optics lab work. It inspired many kids to be more interested in science.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://live.newscientist.com/
 
Description Organised a 'Quantum Industry Showcase' event at University of Manchester 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Organised a workshop aimed at industry/business to showcase current quantum materials research at Manchester, as well as the research facilities available via the Henry Royce Institute and the university that are open for external access. This was a successful event that has lead to >5 new industry-funded projects.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Panel member for EPSRC Core Equipment Award 2022 Expert Prioritisation Panel One 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited to act as a panel member for EPSRC Core Equipment Award 2022 Expert Prioritisation Panel One, rating and providing feedback to proposals for core equipment within universities and research institutes. The decisions of the panel then led to receipt of award to support research in these institutions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Participation in British Science Week festival 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The entire research group helped with outreach demonstrations at British Science Week festival to showcase current quantum materials and SNOM research. The event was attended by >100 members of the general public and schools. There was good feedback during the event about increased interest.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Presentation to DSTL on CUSTOM facility 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact A presentation on the SNOM capability (CUSTOM facility) at University of Manchester and its current application on quantum materials were presented to DSTL at a visit to the University of Manchester.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description ScienceX 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Free in person event at Manchester central library engaging with the families of greater Manchester during 2 days over the half term break. Our researchers demonstrated ion implantation, use of microscopes and how light can be manipulated through laser games and transmission demos. These were well received with interaction on a whole lasting form 5 mins-20 mins and additional questions about the research being asked to our volunteers.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.mub.eps.manchester.ac.uk/sciencex/