IKZ/FVB

The Leibniz Institute for Crystal Growth (IKZ), part of Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. (FVB) is a research and service institute, focussing on development and preparation of mono- and multicrystalline materials. The materials presently in development are of fundamental importance in micro- , opto- and power electronics, in photovoltaics, in opto- and laser technology, in acousto-electronics and sensor technology as well as for fundamental research. IKZ investigates the scientific-technical aspects of crystal growth, processing and physico-chemical characterisation of crystalline solids. This ranges from explorative fundamental research to pre-industrial development. The research activities of the institute include bulk single crystals as well as crystalline layers and nanostructures, but also the development of comprehensive crystal growth technologies.
The research group Si/Ge nanostructures focuses on two main topics: growth of Si and Ge nanowires and growth of crystalline Si on glass. Both topics involve the use of metallic solvent droplets to initiate controlled growth. Techniques include MBE, PVD and solution growth as well as characterization methods applied for nanostructures