Ultrafast low-temperature UHV near-field microscope

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The recent demonstration of multi-terahertz near-field microscopy with subcycle temporal resolution by Rupert Huber’s group prompted a flurry of new research developments in ultrafast science. Yet, the current concept is limited to the observation of samples in ambient air. For systematic applications in solid state physics it is indispensable to investigate samples also at low temperature and in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV). The microscopy system requested here will fill this gap and open a new chapter in near-field microscopy: The spatio-temporal observation of phase transitions promises novel insights into high-temperature superconductivity as well as charge- and spin-density waves. Furthermore, polaritons in van der Waals-bonded solids and on topological insulators will be studied in space and time, in a temperature regime where damping is strongly suppressed. The dynamics and internal structure of single excitons in semiconductor quantum dots and the dynamics of charge separation at grain boundaries of perovskite solar cells will be accessible. The new instrument is, thus, of immediate relevance for scientific questions targeted in the ongoing research initiatives. The microscope will also be used for key pilot experiments for the recently accepted new research building (Forschungsbau) "Regensburg Center for Ultrafast Nanoscopy (RUN)".