Our Research Areas
At the division of solid state physics we do both basic and application oriented research that is related to energy and environmental aspects as well as life science via our different research areas. Most commonly we investigate physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials and compounds whether it will be used as coatings in chromogenic devices, electro-/photocatalysis, gas sensors, transparent conducting oxides, spintronics and biomagnetic applications or to create new magnetic materials for environmentally friendly energy technology.
Magnetic materials

Within the Magnetic materials research group we are studying a wide range of magnetic materials with properties that make them interesting for applications in biotechnology, energy technology and spintronics. We combine magnetic nanoparticles with molecular tools to develop simple yet sensitive diagnostic methods that provide rapid patient responses; we study new permanent magnet materials without content of rare earth metals which can be used in renewable energy sources and magnetocaloric materials that can be used to build energy-smart refrigerators and heat pumps; and we are examining microwave properties of magnetic films and micro / nanostructured magnetic surfaces with the intent to tailor material properties for spintronic applications. We also have a more basic research-oriented activity in which we study mesocrystals composed of magnetic nanoparticles, frustrated magnetic systems and strongly correlated electron systems.
Ongoing research areas
- Biomagnetic applications
- Frustrated magnetic systems
- Magnetic materials for energy and raw material economization
- Magnetic nanoparticles
- Transition metal oxides and strongly correlated electrons
- Magnetic heterostructures optimized for spin-orbit torque magnetization switching and terahertz emission
See the group pages of Roland Mathieu, Tapati Sarkar, and Peter Svedlindh for more information.
OPTICAL MATERIAL AND SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS
The research group ”OPTICAL MATERIAL AND SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS” performs fundamental and applied research on optical coatings, solar energy materials, catalytic materials for fuel synthesis and environmental remediation technologies. The focus is on next generation functional oxides and nanomaterials in chromogenic windows and displays, heterogeneous electro-/photocatalysis, gas sensors, and other applications. We also study novel multilayer and nanostructured oxides for solar energy control and light harvesting, which combine chromogenic, photocatalytic and sensor properties.
We study these subjects by an integrated approach encompassing thin film deposition, experimental studies of electromagnetic and surface (electro-) chemical properties of materials together with computational modelling.
Ongoing research areas
- Fundamental surface science studies on photon and electron stimulated reactions in heterogeneous catalysis
- Chromogenic materials
- Transparent conducting oxides
- Nanopatterning and functional multilayer structures
- Applied research in photocatalysis, solid state gas sensors, self-cleaning and antimicrobial surfaces
- Solar water splitting
- Hybrid perovskite solar cells
Materials for energy efficiency and environmental applications
The research group ”Materials for energy efficiency and environmental applications” is carrying out a comprehensive thematic effort aimed at functional materials for the built environment, in particular green nanotechnologies for sustainable buildings. The focus is on next generation functional oxides in chromogenic (electrochromic and thermochromic) windows, sensors, photocatalysis, lighting and other applications. We also study novel multilayer and nanostructured oxides for solar energy control and light harvesting, which combine chromogenic, photocatalytic and sensor properties.
We study these subjects by an integrated approach encompassing thin film deposition, experimental studies of electromagnetic and surface (electro-) chemical properties of materials together with computational modelling.
Ongoing research areas
- Surface coatings for smart windows
- Optical materials for energy applications
- Solid state sensors for the indoor environment and health applications
- Photocatalytic and advanced wetting materials
- Electrochemistry and electronic structure
- Solar water splitting
- Hybrid perovskite solar cells
