Ioannis Lekkas

Nanotechnology, atomic-, molecular-, nano-manipulation and chemical characterisation using scanning probe microscopy and photothermal techniques

My research interests are based on 3D atomic manipulation and characterisation of structures down to the single bond level. Understanding the mechanical, electronic and chemical properties of matter opens a new horizon to a variety of applications.

The mechanical properties of materials are directly accessed with atomic force microscopy, while chemical characterisation is the major interest of the infrared spectroscopy community. When those two techniques are combined, the connection between chemical structure and mechanical properties can be investigated. In Diamond, I am developing a combined AFM and IR technique known as nano-IR to explore the chemical structure down to the submicron level and eventually connect it with the mechanical properties. The applications of this technique vary from composite materials and fossils to biomaterials. 

Additionally I support users and staff scientists at Diamond with near-field nano-IR and far-field micro-IR spectroscopy experiments on the endstations of MIRIAM.