Atomic scale impurities in metallic nanoscale structures: A combined experimental and theoretical study

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Samir Lounis; Privatdozent Dr. Martin Wenderoth
• Subject Area: Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2014 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 259653804

Our project focuses on bulk properties of atomic scale defects going beyond mean field concepts and describing the real space structure. We will study modification in the local density of states induced by single metallic impurities in a metallic host system (e.g. Ag in Cu) as well as in metallic nanostructures. As the impact of point defects on nanoscale structures will become more and more important with reduced size we will analyze the impact of confinement on the electronic properties of the impurities. Recent development in scanning probe techniques has opened a new experimental way to study bulk defects in metallic systems. In parallel theoretical progress allows modeling such systems including the real band structure of the host material.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants