Our research focuses on describing the details of energy transport and conversion at solid surfaces and interfaces in the nanoscale regime. In order to understand basic mechanisms at the single molecule/atom level, we carry out combined studies using scanning probe microscopy/spectroscopy and density functional theory calculation on well-defined surfaces under ultra-high vacuum conditions.
 

A part of our research is directed toward investigation of single-molecule chemistry by use of vibrational and electronic quantum states on metal or metal oxide thin film surfaces. Another important part of our research focuses on self-assembled organic thin films aiming at understanding their microscopic structure and electronic properties, and their application for the development of molecular-based functional devices. In addition, we have recently started working on photon detection from a single molecule and on the atomic scale investigation of energy conversion between electrons and photons of nano-scale materials.