Peter Beton
Professor of Physics, Faculty of Science
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Research Summary
My research focusses on the adsorption of molecules on surfaces and how they be induced to form structures with novel optical and electronic properties. Scanning probe microscopy is used extensively… read more
Current Research
My research focusses on the adsorption of molecules on surfaces and how they be induced to form structures with novel optical and electronic properties. Scanning probe microscopy is used extensively to study these phenomena. Two approaches to molecular adsorption on surfaces are currently pursued. Spontaneous organisation, commonly known as self-assembly, is exploited to form ordered networks which are stabilised by hydrogen bonding. These arrays may be used as templates to capture clusters of other molecules which may be built up into more complex arrangements. Through design of appropriate molecules, in collaboration with colleagues in the School of Chemistry, it is possible to control the dimensions and properties of these templates. In addition we investigate how the tip of a scanning probe can be used to induce translational and conformational modifications of single adsorbed molecules.
For more details see the nanoscience web pages
Current Teaching
F32SMS Applications of Fourier Analysis