FTIR spectroscopy in ATR mode. We have two commercial FTIR spectrophotometers with a compartment specially designed to carry out FTIR measurements in ATR mode with high sensitivity (optimization of optical modules and optical). Home made silicon prisms are used as optical windows for IR measurements. We develop our own experimental devices (cells, electrochemical interfaces, temperature control, etc.) to study (electro)chemical processes in situ or in operando conditions, in various environments (gas, liquid, vacuum). We have developed a quantitative analysis method using polarized infrared light measurements.
In situ Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM). We have developed a home-made STM microscope specifically designed to study the dynamics of processes at electrochemical interfaces (electrochemical cells, coupling with a potentiostat, rapid image acquisition) at the atomic scale.
Atomic force microscopy (AFM). We have two commercial AFM microscopes (Pico 5500, and PicoLE 5100) for the characterization of surfaces in contact mode or in oscillating mode. The devices can be used for in-situ measurements in solution or under controlled atmosphere. Specific modules can be added for conductivity measurements (EFM), magnetic measurements (MFM) or electrochemical nanolithography.
X-ray Structural characterization. We use the equipment and techniques (XRD, RRX, X-ray fluorescence) available within the DIFFRAX instrumental platform at Ecole Polytechnique (https://portail.polytechnique.edu/diffrax/en). Measurement campaigns are also carried out at different synchrotron facilities (ESRF, SOLEIL, DESY) for in situ characterizations of electrochemical interfaces.
Magneto-optical measurements by Kerr effect. We have developed a magneto-optical measurement bench based on the Kerr effect which enables to monitor in situ and in real time the magnetic properties during the electrochemical growth of ultrathin metal layers and to study the magneto-electric coupling effects.
PECVD deposition. We have developed a vacuum chamber allowing the deposition of thin layers of amorphous silicon and silicon carbon alloys by PECVD (Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition). Materials can also be doped.
Preparation and optical reading of "Biochips" slides. We have two robot spotters allowing to prepare localized deposits by contact (BioRobotics MicroGrid II, volume deposited nL) or without contact (Arrayjet Sprint Microarrayer, volume deposited pL), and an optical fluorescence reader (InnoScan® 710 scanner from LaboMix).
Electrochemistry-optical coupling. We have an inverted optical microscope coupled with electrochemical measurements allowing us to observe the collision/reorientation on a micro-electrode of micron-sized entities in solution. These events can be coupled to jumps in electrochemical current.
Electrochemical measurements. We have various equipment (potentiostats, rotating electrodes) allowing to carry out electrochemical measurements (cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, etc.) as well as a quartz microbalance.