Computational methods for quantifying surface structure and dynamics with Low-Energy Electron Microscopy

The Low Energy Electron Microscope - Molecular Beam Epitaxy system in Cardiff University is unique, enabling the recording of movies of key processes occurring during complex epitaxy, for example quantum dot and nanowire formation. It is commonly said that an image is worth a thousand words, so the amount of data that can be obtained by recording a movie is unprecedented.
The electronic properties of semiconductor nanostructures, such as quantum dots and quantum wires, provide solutions for current challenges in a wide range of technologies such as, photovoltaics, photonics, communications, etc. Self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are the subject of world-wide interest because of their potential use in quantum information technologies and nanoscale optoelectronics. The goal is to create advanced QD architectures by controlling the precise position of single dots, molecules or nanowires during epitaxial growth. The PhD student will be devoted to the operation of the microscope and data analysis associated to it.