Various setups for the characterization of sensing nanoparticles are available within the institute. Within our group we are able to conduct the entire processes involved in fabricating sensors. Substrates are produced by electron beam lithography. The substrates are then covered with the sensing material by utilizing molecular beam technique. The sensor is finally characterized to obtain information about its selectivity and sensitivity. With these steps we can analyze the influence of various process parameters on the capacity of the sensor. Access to all process parameters enables us to determine the modification and detailed characterization of all influencing variables.

Impedance spectroscopy is useful for characterizing the conductivity of nanomaterials. The large volume-to-surface ratio of nanoparticles leads to surface and grain barrier effects, which play an important role on the properties of the particles. These effects can be well examined by impedance spectroscopy.