Research Platforms
Key Laboratory of Quantum Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education), Southeast University
Approved by the Ministry of Education in February 2023, the Key Laboratory of Quantum Materials and Devices is established by the School of Physics at Southeast University. It aims to address the challenges encountered during the development of information devices in the post-Moore era. Attributed to the leading engineering programs and competitive science programs at Southeast University, the laboratory focuses on the research of next-generation information devices and quantum materials. By exploring novel quantum materials including magnetoelectric, superconducting, and topological systems, the laboratory paves a way to develop information devices such as low-power electronics, superconducting quantum computing hardware, and optoelectronic integrated chips. It has established a full-chain R&D framework covering material design, preparation and characterization, and device development, to overcome the obstacles between the exploration of quantum materials and the industrialization of information devices. The laboratory focuses on four main research areas: (1) Theory and Material Design; (2) Magnetoelectric Materials and Devices; (3) Superconducting and Topological Materials and Devices; (4) Optoelectronic Materials and Devices. Its core goal is to build a research platform driven by the application demands of information devices, serving the major national strategic needs.
Center for Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Sciences
Founded in 2022, the Center for Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Sciences consists of the Center for Extreme Physical Property Characterizations and the Center for Micro-Nano Fabrication, with a total construction area of 4,550 square meters. It is committed to conduct research on cutting-edge fundamental scientific topics such as quantum materials, pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery, fostering an international academic innovation environment, and striving to become a domestically leading and world-class interdisciplinary research and teaching facility.
The platform continuously reforms and optimizes its management and operation strategies. By constructing world-leading experimental facilities and bringing in internationally advanced research technologies, it aims to build an open platform to support fundamental research in physics, chemistry, materials science, electronics, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering and other related disciplines. It is dedicated to nurture research teams with international influences and advance the development of high and new technologies. At present, the platform is equipped with a variety of world-class cutting-edge instruments, which has effectively promoted the collaborative innovation between industry and academic research, and contributed to the endeavor of building Southeast University as a world-class university.
Shing-Tung Yau Center of Southeast University
The Shing-Tung Yau Center was officially launched on July 7, 2017, and was restructured from a new-type research institution into an academic special zone of Southeast University on May 10, 2021. Shing-Tung Yau, a world-renowned mathematical master and Fields Medal laureate, serves as the founding director of the Center.
In recent years, the Center has built a strong formal theoretical physics research team, whose members are recruited from world-leading research institutions including Yale University, École Normale Supérieure de Paris, European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), ETH Zurich, University of Bonn, and California Institute of Technology (Caltech). All these faculty members are currently affiliated with the School of Physics. The team’s research directions cover core theoretical physics fields including mathematical physics related to string theory, gauge field theory/gravity duality, quantum field theory, quantum gravity, and integrable systems, making it one of the few high-level formal theoretical physics research teams in China.
Key Laboratory of MEMS (Ministry of Education), Southeast University
Based on the disciplines of Electronic Science and Technology and Condensed Matter Physics, the Key Laboratory of MEMS (Ministry of Education) at Southeast University was initiated in 1999 and officially approved as an interdisciplinary physical research platform in 2001.
It is a key innovation platform developed during the "211 Project" and "985 Project". It is supported by the National Medium- and Long-Term Science and Technology Development Plan (2006-2020). It is one of the key supported fields for national defense science and technology development and also receives support from the development of strategic emerging industries such as the Internet of Things (IoT) in recent years.
The laboratory carries out multi-level research covering electronic information materials, design, testing and packaging of micro-nano sensors, signal processing circuit design, and reliability research. All research directions are interdependent and mutually supportive, closely aligning with the medium- and long-term science and technology development requirements and the demands for economic construction of the nation and Jiangsu Province. It is of great significance to the national and local scientific and technological development, economic development, national defense construction and talents cultivation, and provides critical support to the advancement of electronic science and technology.
Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Science and Applications of Molecular Ferroelectrics
Gathering outstanding talents from multiple disciplines including chemistry, physics and materials science, the Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Science and Applications of Molecular Ferroelectrics takes molecular ferroelectrics as its core research direction. It conducts the synthesis and characterization of novel molecular ferroelectric materials, investigates their chemical and physical properties, carries out theoretical and simulation research on molecular ferroelectrics, develops the semiconductor and catalytic functions of molecular ferroelectrics, and conducts research on molecular functional devices with practical application prospects based on the fabrication of molecular ferroelectric thin films.
The laboratory has led more than 20 national-level projects, including the National Major Integration Project, National Major Scientific Instrument Development Project, Key Programs and sub-projects of Major Programs of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), National Major Research Plan Cultivation Project, 973 Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, and projects of the Ministry of Education. The laboratory will continue to explore cutting-edge international research on multi-polar axis molecular ferroelectric materials, enhance its innovation and achieve more scientific research outputs.
Research Center for Quantum Information, Southeast University
Founded in June 2017, the Research Center for Quantum Information is a university-level new-type research and development institution at Southeast University. The Center is benefitted from Southeast University’s advantageous disciplines including information science, electronics, physics, computer science, instrumentation science, control science, and materials science. Guided by major national strategic demands, it is set to carry out R&D work in core areas of quantum information including fundamental theories, core chips and devices, quantum navigation, quantum precision measurement, and quantum communication. It aims to become a key research institution in the field of quantum information for cutting-edge fundamental research, key technology breakthroughs and system integration, with top-tier talents and world-class research platforms.
Large-scale Research Instruments and Facilities
Mode Phonon Detection System
This custom-built system, developed in-house by our research team, integrates Raman spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy (SPM), and frequency-domain thermoreflectance (FDTR) instrumentation. It enables high-precision in-situ measurement of mechanical, thermal, and electrical parameters, as well as the detection of phonons at the contact interface.
●Raman Shift Measurement: 10 cm⁻¹ ~ 4000 cm⁻¹;
●Spectral Resolution: < 0.5 cm⁻¹;
●Phonon Measurement: Measurement frequency up to 200 MHz;
●Force Resolution: Minimum loading < 1 nN, measurement resolution < 1 pN;
●Equipped with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) characterization functions: including Contact Mode, Non-Contact Mode, Tapping Mode, Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping (QNM), Electrostatic Force Microscopy (EFM), Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM), Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM), and Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM);
●Capable of macroscopic friction and wear measurement: equipped with reciprocating and rotational sample stages, enabling wide-range friction force measurement;
●3D Surface Topography Characterization.
Laser-ARPES
The system combines a frequency-doubled laser source, a cryogenic sample environment, and a high-resolution electron energy analyzer, enabling electronic band structure measurements on microscopic samples with high energy resolution at low temperatures.
Key Specifications:
Temperature range: 6 K – 325 K
Frequency-doubled laser source: 10 μm spot size
Cryogen-free Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS)
This cryogen-free Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) places samples within a low-temperature, high-magnetic-field sample chamber to characterize the electrical, magnetic, thermal, and other physical properties of samples under varying temperature and magnetic field conditions.
Key Technical Specifications:
1.Longitudinal superconducting magnet: Magnetic intensity: ±9 T
2.Temperature range: 1.9 K – 400 K, continuously variable temperature; Cool-down time: ≤40 min from 300 K to 1.9 K
3.Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM):
1.Sensitivity (1 s averaging time): ≤10⁻⁶ emu
2.Noise floor: 2×10⁻⁷ emu rms
3. Accuracy: ≤5×10⁻⁶ emu/Tesla
4.AC Susceptibility measurement:
1.AC measurement capability: 1×10⁻⁸ emu @ 10 kHz
2.AC amplitude: 0.05 Oe – 15 Oe
5.DC Resistivity / Advanced Electrical Transport measurement:
1.Voltage range: ±4.5 V (at ×1 gain)
2.Current range: 10 nA – 100 mA continuous operation
3.Frequency range: 0.1 Hz – 200 Hz
4.Resistivity measurement accuracy: 0.1% (R < 200 kΩ); 0.2% (R ~1 MΩ); 2.0% (R < 1 GΩ); 5% (R = 5 GΩ)
6.Heat capacity measurement:
1.Measurement accuracy: <5% @ 2 K – 300 K (typical value <2%)
2.Measurement sensitivity: 10 nJ/K @ 2 K
3.Measurable HC range: 1 μJ/K – 100 mJ/K
7.Horizontal rotator option: Motor-driven, rotation range: -10° – 370°, step size: 0.013°
Magnetic Property Measurement System (MPMS)
Magnetic Property Measurement System (MPMS) consists of a base system and a suite of optional modules. The base system provides both variable magnetic field and variable temperature measurement environments simultaneously. The optional modules include a range of fully automated magnetometry measurement options, such as:
●AC Susceptibility measurement module: Performs AC susceptibility measurements, with a frequency range of 0.1 Hz – 1 kHz, and a typical magnetic moment sensitivity of ≤5×10⁻⁸ emu;
●Ultra-Low Field (ULF) module and Field reset module: Enables demagnetization to achieve an ultra-low residual magnetic field as low as 0.005 G.
This system supports cross-disciplinary research spanning physics, materials science, chemistry, biology, geology, and other fields. It can characterize a wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics, semiconductors, superconductors, magnetic materials, alloys, organic materials, dielectric materials, and polymer materials. Compatible sample formats include bulk materials, thin films, powders, liquids, single crystals, and nanomaterials.
Magneto-optical Spectrum Measurement System
Magneto-optical Spectrum Measurement System integrates an ultra-high resolution spectroscopy technology, an ultra-low temperature sample environment, and in-situ strong magnetic field. It enables in-situ magnetic field modulation and measurements of reflectivity and Magneto-Optical Kerr spectra of novel quantum materials at ultra-low temperatures, providing critical information for the application of new materials.
Key Technical Specifications:
●Closed-cycle refrigeration system
●Measurement energy range: 10 – 20000 cm⁻¹
●Energy resolution: < 0.2 cm⁻¹
●Spatial resolution: 5 μm
●Temperature range of the cold stage: 1.7 K – 350 K
●Temperature stability of the cold stage: ±0.2% (T < 20 K); ±0.02% (T > 20 K)
●Maximum magnetic field strength: ±7 T
●Magnetic field homogeneity: ±0.3%
●Vibration stability of the base system cold stage: ≤10 nm peak
Ultra-precision Tip-scanning Spectroscopy Measurement System
This system is based on Tip-enhanced Raman Scattering (TERS), which combines topography imaging and spectroscopic imaging in a point-to-point complementary manner, enabling multi-dimensional characterization and detection of material information. It can provide nanometer-resolution information including chemical structure, molecular orientation, crystal phase, stress and strain, defect states, defect concentration, and more, offering critical technical support for ultra-high precision material characterization of quantum materials.
Key Technical Specifications:
1.Spectral range: 220 nm – 2200 nm; Resolution for visible band: better than 0.65 cm⁻¹; Resolution for near-infrared band: better than 0.35 cm⁻¹; Spectrometer focal length: ≥700 nm.
2.Minimum XY step size: 50 nm; Minimum Z step size: 10 nm; Fast imaging speed: <10 ms per spectrum.
Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect (MOKE) Measurement System
As a physical property testing instrument, the Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect (MOKE) measurement system utilizes the interaction between light and magnetic materials. It enables real-time conversion of magnetic signals into image form via a polarizing optical microscope, supporting real-time, in-situ, quantitative, and visualized analysis of magnetic domain structure information on the surface of magnetic samples. With a spatial resolution up to 230 nm, it can achieve the acquisition of vectorial magnetic domain images.
Meanwhile, this system can measure magnetization curves for selected local regions, characterizing the magnetization behavior of different regions within the same sample, and obtain the distribution of magnetic structures, thereby realizing precise characterization of the magnetic domain evolution in magnetic materials.
Cryogenic Scattering-type Scanning Near-field Optical Microscopy (s-SNOM)
This equipment integrates tunable laser sources and an ultra-low temperature sample environment, enabling ultra-high resolution near-field optical imaging of microscopic samples at ultra-low temperatures.
Key Technical Specifications:
1.Closed-cycle sample holder:
1.Temperature range: 8.6 K – 300 K
2.Minimum cool-down time: 12 hrs
3.Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM):
1.Spatial resolution (X-Y): 30 nm
2.Noise (Z): <1 nm (RMS)
3.Scan range: 30 μm × 30 μm (at T=300 K) or 24 μm × 24 μm (at T=8.6 K)
4.Maximum scan speed: 20 μm/s
5.Sample stage actuation: XYZ, step size: 5 mm ×5 mm ×5 mm
2.Laser sources:
1.Tunable Visible-NIR laser source:
1.Tunable range: 500 – 3000 nm
2.Wavelength accuracy: ±1 nm
3.Linewidth: <100 kHz
4.Output power: >80 mW
2.Tunable Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO) mid-IR laser source:
1.Tunable range: 1400 – 18000 nm
2.Pulse duration: 8 ps
3.Linewidth: <4 cm⁻¹
