New facility for PDI: Application Laboratory ZALKAL

PDI is currently building an application laboratory for time-resolved cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. ZALKAL (from the German: Applikationslabor Zeitaufgelöste Kathodolumineszenzspektroskopie), is driven by PDI Senior Scientist Jonas Lähnemann and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Berlin Senate. 

The aim of the new facility is to provide the best possible spatial, spectral and temporal resolution for time-resolved cathodoluminescence spectroscopy, where the chosen detectors will be optimized for ultraviolet wavelengths down to ~180 nm. Visible and near-infrared spectral regions will also be covered therefore applicable to a wide range of materials. The system will be capable of measuring classic semiconductor thin-films and heterostructures, 2D materials, and 3D nanostructures. 

The facility will support a wide range of PDI's research activities, and will also be available for collaborations with external academic and industry partners who require a combination of spectral and time-resolved luminescence mapping. ZALKAL is scheduled to be operational at PDI in summer 2024. 

The application lab is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the State of Berlin (Senate) from January 2023 through December 2025.

More information can be found on the ZALKAL project website.