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Dr Alexander Robson

Formerly at Lancaster University

Research overview

I am a Senior Research Associate & Innovation Fellow working on the ERDF Greater Innovation for Smarter Materials Optimisation (GISMO) programme, based in the Department of Chemistry & Materials Science Institute at Lancaster University. 

Research Interests

-      Development and utilisation of thin film coatings via plasma polymerisation.

-      Analysis of materials, devices and coatings via x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning probe microscopy.

-      Cross-sectional analysis of materials via beam-exit cross-sectional polishing, a technique developed and patented by Lancaster University.

Background

Recent research has involved the development of thin film coatings via Plasma Polymerisation, with applications in anti-microbial/anti-viral spaces, and the analysis of coatings and materials via X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

Prior to work on coating development, I was a senior research associate on the European Commission project QUANTIHEAT (QUANTItative scanning probe microscopy techniques for HEAT transfer management in nanomaterials and nanodevices, FP7-NMP-2013-LARGE-7), which involved twenty partner institutes in academic and industrial fields. The QUANTIHEAT project aimed to tackle issues relating to thermal metrology at the nanoscale and to deliver validated standards, methods and modelling tools.

Before joining the QUANTHEAT project, much of my research focused on the cross-sectional analysis of III-V compound semiconductor materials and devices via scanning probe microscopy and beam-exit cross-sectional polishing (BEXP), a technique developed at Lancaster University. Please visit www.lancastermaterialanalysis.co.uk for information about commercialisation of this research.

I have also worked on previous buisness engagement projects, including the Cumbria Innovations Platform (CUSP) programme, aiding Cumbrian SMEs to access technical and management expertise from Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria to accelerate innovation in new products and services.

 I have a PhD in Physics from Lancaster University, thesis title “Cross-Sectional Scanning Probe Microscopy of III-V Semiconductors” (Supervisor: Dr Manus Hayne).

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  • Johnson Matthey visit to Lancaster University.

    Activity: Other activity typesTypes of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor

  • Meeting with Scalebreaker

    Activity: Other activity typesTypes of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor

  • NowNano

    Activity: Participating in or organising an event typesParticipation in conference -Mixed Audience

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