Transition metal oxides represent a technologically important class of materials, which play a key role in catalysis, electronics, energy harvesting and energy storage. The key processes typically occur at the surface and the atomic-scale analysis is invaluable for developing new technologies. Recent advances in noncontact atomic force microscopy offer novel ways for surface analysis. This talk will demonstrate the new opportunities for deciphering the surface structure of various crystalline materials such as In₂O₃ or the SrTiO₃ perovskite, as well as amorphous copper oxide layers. The superior sensitivity in force detection allows going beyond simple imaging of the atomic structure and allows for detecting and manipulating single electrons in solids. This is used for studying the kinetics of electrons and holes selftrapped in ionic lattices, so called polarons.

Invitation