In Physics, crystals are considered as a repeating pattern of atoms.  This periodicity leads to many symmetries which have a key role in the properties of a material.  However, in reality, the pattern is rarely perfect and these deviations, called defects, lead to strong localized changes in a material's properties.

I am interested in observing atomic defects in 2D materials in high resolution and relating these defects to variations on a scale that could be measured optically.  In my work, I use cAFM and low temperature photoluminescence spectra in the Isolab facility; built to isolate experiments from mechanical vibrations, electromagnetic radiation and electrical noise.