SPINAL

SPINAL is an ultra-high vacuum cluster tool for studying surfaces, thin films and nanostructures. The system consists of a scanning probe microscope (SPM) and a vacuum transfer line (the “SPINAL cord” of the tool), which allows for transferring samples between deposition and characterization chambers under ultra-high vacuum conditions. The SPM enables the characterization of morphological and electronic properties of surfaces at the atomic scale, using either atomic force microscopy or scanning tunnelling microscopy. The temperature of the sample can be varied during the measurement, enabling fundamental research on dynamic surface processes.

The research group CoCooN acquired instruments for atomic layer deposition and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, that will be attached to the SPINAL setup. The linear transfer line will be the vacuum connection between characterization techniques and a number of different synthesis/deposition techniques that can potentially be connected to the transfer line in the coming years. This will enable sample synthesis, transfer and characterization all within ideal ultra-high vacuum conditions, ensuring the purity and stability of the surface. This research facility provides an excellent framework for establishing a research line in the field of physics and chemistry of surfaces.

You can get more information with the research group  CoCooN 

Conceptual drawing of the SPINAL infrastructure, with examples of possible extensions to enable different types of deposition/surface treatment. At present, SPM is available and XPS/ALD are being implemented.