My research focuses on the growth, structure and functionality of advanced thin films, spanning neutron and X-ray optics, epitaxial superlattices, self-organised nanostructures and chiral photonic materials. I investigate how nanoscale architecture, crystallographic orientation and interfaces determine optical functionality, deformation and fracture. My expertise combines thin-film synthesis, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, scattering techniques and nanoscale mechanical testing, supported by extensive experience at large-scale neutron and synchrotron X-ray facilities.
Naureen Ghafoor
Senior Associate Professor
Universitetslektor
Research profile
Research
Ongoing projects
Neutron and X-ray optics, magnetic reference layers and functional multilayers
Olov Planthaber
Selected publications
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Epitaxial superlattice growth and interface engineering
I investigate epitaxial growth and interface engineering in nanoscale superlattices, exploring how crystallographic structure, layer periodicity and interface quality influence structural
stability and functional performance. This work includes the development of high-quality heteroepitaxial multilayers for neutron optics and the design of nanostructures with tailored properties.
Selected publications
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Spinodal decomposition and self-organised nanostructures
I study phase separation and self-organisation in metastable thin films, investigating how growth conditions and composition govern nanoscale phase transformations, interface formation and complex nanostructures. My research aims to understand how growth-driven self-organisation can be used to tailor material structure and properties.
Selected publications
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Deformation and fracture mechanisms in nanostructured thin films
I investigate how nanoscale architecture, interfaces and defects govern plastic deformation and fracture in hard ceramic coatings. My research addresses fracture initiation and propagation, crack deflection, dislocation activity and the interplay between brittleness and ductility. By combining advanced electron microscopy with nanoscale mechanical testing, I explore strategies to improve damage tolerance while retaining high hardness and strength.
Selected publications
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Chiral sculptured thin films and polarization-selective photonics
Research funding and project leadership
I have received research funding and support through the Swedish Research Council (VR), VINNOVA, VINNMER, Carl Tryggers Stiftelse, Link枚ping University, MIRAI, CeNANO, the Swedish Electricity Storage and Balancing Centre (SESBC), and SwedNess-related research programmes. My research leadership spans advanced thin films, nanostructured materials, neutron and X-ray optics, and collaborations with academic and industrial partners.
News
糖心直播
Teaching
I teach Nanotechnology () and Properties of Transition Metal Nitride and Carbide Films (6FIFM45), covering nanomaterials, thin-film growth, structure, characterization and functional properties. My teaching combines fundamental concepts with practical examples from advanced materials research and experimental techniques.
PhD and postdoctoral supervision
I supervise and co-supervise PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and degree-project students in thin-film physics and materials science. My supervision covers thin-film synthesis, nanostructure and interface engineering, advanced characterization and mechanical properties, with an emphasis on developing independent researchers and supporting high-quality scientific publications.
Supervision and research leadership
Marcus Lorentzon (PhD, 2021鈥�2025): main supervisor; nanostructured refractory nitride coatings, hard coatings and mechanical properties.
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Samira Dorri (Master鈥檚 diploma, 2019: SwedNess PhD, 2020鈥�2024) 鈥� main supervisor at master鈥檚 level; co-supervisor at PhD level; transition-metal diboride superlattices, neutron mirrors and synchrotron/neutron facility studies.
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Sjoerd Stendahl (SwedNess PhD, 2018鈥�2023): active co-supervision of isotope-enriched 鹿鹿B鈧凜/Ni鈥揟i neutron optics, neutron/X-ray reflectometry, GISAXS and interface engineering; second author on all project publications.
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Anton Zubayer (PhD, 2021鈥�2025): co-supervisor; polarized neutron mirrors, magnetic multilayers, PNR and magnetic reference layers.
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Other Supervision: 5 postdocs and 20+ Master鈥檚/diploma students, including projects in thin-film synthesis, advanced characterization, multilayer optics and neutron/X-ray materials research.
CV
糖心直播
2008: PhD in Materials Physics, Link枚ping University, Sweden.
2003: MEng in Materials Science, Link枚ping University, Sweden.
Employment
2026鈥损谤别蝉别苍迟: Senior Associate Professor, Link枚ping University, Sweden.
2012鈥�2026: University Lecturer, Link枚ping University, Sweden.
2008鈥�2012: Assistant professor, Link枚ping University, Sweden.
International Academic Experience
2025鈥�2026: Visiting Professor, Institut Jean Lamour, CNRS鈥揢niversit茅 de Lorraine, Nancy, France.
2012鈥�2015: Visiting Researcher: Saarland University, Germany, and University of Cambridge, UK.
2010: Visiting Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA.