GRK 1896:  In Situ Microscopy with Electrons, X-Rays and Scanning Probes

• Subject Area: Materials Science ; Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2013 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 218975129

High-resolution microscopy is becoming more and more important for the development of novel materials – the entire field of nanotechnology would be unthinkable without modern microscopy. In addition to structural and chemical nanocharacterization, in situ techniques play a central role. Only they allow the direct observation of material processes taking place during growth or degradation, under mechanical load or during operating conditions (in operando). The objective of the interdisciplinary Research Training Group (RTG) in situ microscopy with electrons, X-rays and scanning probe techniques is to provide the next generation of scientists and engineers with method-spanning training in complementary nanocharacterization methods and modern in situ microscopy techniques. For this purpose, the members of the RTG have a unique collection of cutting-edge instruments at their disposal, including methods based on short-wave radiation (electrons, X-rays/neutrons), scanning probes and atom probe tomography. These methods are used by the RTG members to address current fundamental scientific questions that are also of direct relevance for the development of novel functional materials. Their thesis projects can be grouped in two closely interlinked project areas. Area A: Functional Nanostructures and Networks addresses the properties of individual nano-objects and how functionality emerges through their assembly into nano-networks. In area B: Mechanical Properties of Interfaces various kinds of interfaces with different bonding characteristics and morphologies are studied under well-defined mechanical loads. In addition to integrating new 3D nanocharacterization methods (high-resolution X-ray microscopy/NanoCT, atom probe tomography) into the RTG, the focus of the second funding phase will be on material systems with increased complexity, i.e., regarding topology/morphology, chemical composition/heterogeneity or functionality. An additional focus will be on the detailed study of nanoscale degradation and corrosion processes. Through the interdisciplinary, combined study of functional and mechanical properties, the joint development and use of advanced in situ microscopy and nanocharacterisation methods, the integration of scale-bridging simulation methods as well as through the early access to the international research community, the PhD students will be well-prepared for successful careers in materials research and development.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Erdmann Spiecker
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr.-Ing. Erik Bitzek; Professor Dr. Christoph J. Brabec; Professor Dr. Benjamin Butz; Professor Dr. Peter Felfer, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Rainer H. Fink; Professor Dr. Lothar Frey (†); Professor Dr. Mathias Göken; Dr.-Ing. Michael Jank; Professorin Dr. Sabine Maier; Professor Dr.-Ing. Benoit Merle; Professor Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Peukert; Professor Dr. Tobias Unruh; Professorin Dr. Sannakaisa Virtanen