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RESEARCH UNITS

Advanced Structural and Functional Crystallography

A research unit devoted to crystallographic methods, structure–property relationships and functional materials, including complex oxides, surfaces and advanced crystalline systems.

Explore CMEOS
Explore Crystallography
Research Groups

Crystallography to understand functional materials

The Advanced Structural and Functional Crystallography Research Unit brings together two ICMAB research groups: Crystallography of Magnetic and Electronic Oxides and Surfaces (CMEOS) and the Crystallography group.

Both groups share a common scientific focus: using crystallographic methods to understand how the structure of complex and functional materials determines their properties.

The unit applies X-ray diffraction, synchrotron diffraction methods and surface characterization approaches to study advanced materials such as complex oxides, crystalline systems and functional surfaces.

Research focus

A scientific unit focused on structural analysis, functional crystallography and the relationship between atomic order, surfaces and materials properties.

Crystal structure analysis

Determination and interpretation of crystalline structures in advanced and functional materials.

Functional materials

Study of complex oxides and materials where structure controls magnetic, electronic or surface-related properties.

X-ray diffraction methods

Use of diffraction-based approaches to investigate structural order, phases and crystallographic features.

Synchrotron & surface studies

Advanced diffraction and surface characterization techniques for complex materials and interfaces.

Research groups

The unit is organised around two complementary research groups working on crystallography, complex oxides, surfaces and functional materials.

From structure to function

The unit connects crystallographic information with functional behaviour, providing a structural framework to understand advanced materials.

1. Determine structure

Identify crystal structures, phases, symmetry and structural features using diffraction-based methods.

2. Analyse complexity

Study defects, surfaces, interfaces, modulations and complex oxide systems beyond ideal structures.

3. Connect properties

Relate structural information to magnetic, electronic and functional behaviour in advanced materials.

People

Researchers, postdoctoral fellows, technical staff and project managers connected to the Advanced Structural and Functional Crystallography Research Unit.

Head of Department

Permanent Researchers

Postdoctoral Researchers

Technicians and Project Managers

Related infrastructure and services

Crystallography research connects naturally with ICMAB scientific services and large-scale infrastructures for structural and surface characterization.

X-ray Diffraction Laboratory

Structural and microstructural characterization of crystalline materials using diffraction methods.

Electron Microscopy Service

Complementary nanoscale and atomic-scale imaging for microstructure, morphology and diffraction studies.

Scanning Probe Microscopy

Surface topography and functional local characterization at the nanoscale.

ALBA Synchrotron ecosystem

Strategic access to synchrotron-based techniques within the Barcelona research environment.

Explore the crystallography research ecosystem

The Advanced Structural and Functional Crystallography Research Unit connects research groups, crystallographic methods and scientific infrastructure to understand the structure and function of advanced materials.

CMEOS Website
Crystallography Website