Novel materials with unique properties are key enablers for new, disruptive technologies. Of special interest are nanomaterials, which can be engineered for specific physical, electrical, and chemical properties by exploitation of quantum size effects. Understanding cause-effect correlations of these materials' growth and structure supports the systematic discovery and optimization of the desired properties. A proven and effective approach for this research is to use a 'Materials Innovation Platform'.
Materials Innovation Platforms (MIPs) integrate instrumentation for growth and detailed characterization of samples in-situ. Not only is sample cleanliness preserved by maintaining UHV conditions, but analysis and growth can be done at intermediate process steps and performed far more rapidly than if the instrumentation was separated.