MSE Seminar – Prof. Ute KAISER (18 March 2026)
18 Mar 2026 (Wed) | 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
MSE Seminar – Prof. Ute KAISER (18 March 2026)
| Title: | Atomic Defect–Mediated Phase Engineering in Inorganic and Organic Low-D Materials and Van Der Waals Heterostructures |
| Speaker: | Prof. Ute KAISER Senior Professor Institute for Quantum Optics Ulm University |
| Date: | 18 March 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Time: | 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm |
| Venue: | M3017, 3/F, Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre (CMC), CityUHK |
| Abstract: | Inorganic and organic 2D crystals combine tunable atomic and molecular design with exceptional electronic and mechanical properties, making them ideal for flexible electronics, sustainable energy technologies, and next-generation sensing devices. Since their macroscopic functionality is governed by atomic-scale structure and defects, precise structural characterization is crucial for optimizing performance. This talk will first outline the key physical principles of imaging matter with electron waves, focusing on how electron energy interacts with specimens to determine resolution and structural stability. The capabilities of the voltage-tunable Cc/Cs-corrected SALVE (Sub-Ångström Low-Voltage TEM) platform for atomic-resolution imaging and in situ studies will be introduced. Next, Prof. Kaiser will demonstrate how targeted energy input from an electron beam in a transmission electron microscope, combined with in situ heating using MEMS-based holders, can induce atomic defect formation and drive phase transformations in low-dimensional materials. Examples include TMPTs, graphene-lithium sandwich structures, 2D polymers, MOFs, noble metals, and confined water within fullerenes. These findings highlight the electron beam's dual role as an imaging probe and a tool for controlled atomic-scale phase engineering. |
| Enquiries: | mse@cityu.edu.hk |