The Martin group focuses on the growth, characterization, and utilization of functional complex-oxide thin-film heterostructures and nanostructures. Such materials are candidates for a wide range of applications including logic, memory, sensing, energy conversion/transduction (e.g., heat, stress, light to electricity) and much more.

The foundations of the group are built on a multi-faceted, comprehensive approach to materials science and engineering. The group excels in:

•  Synthesis of materials – Highly controlled deposition of complex-oxide heterostructures and nanostructures using pulsed-laser deposition and other techniques equipped with state-of-the-art in situ characterization methods which enable atomic-scale control of materials.

• Characterization of materials – A combination of laboratory- and national facility-based approaches to study the structure, properties, and evolution of materials.

• Utilization of materials – Leveraging novel materials phenomena and know-how to produce demonstration devices that highlight the potential function and impact of new materials.

The group stands at the cross-roads of modern science and engineering – combining aspects of physical sciences (such as chemistry and physics) and modern engineering (such as fabrication and processing of devices). As such the group serves as a gathering point for researchers from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.