Javad Farahani, working at the University of Basel in the group of Professor Bert Hecht

1. What is the topic of your PhD thesis?
Development of a superresolution near-field optical microscopy based on nano-optical antenna.

2. Do you already have results?
Yes, I have had some good results, which are under preparation for submission, and I am still continuing to complete the current session of my thesis.

3. Is there a potential application of your research?
Of course, the idea of the research is very strong and if we can prove the principle and control all the effects, which take place, there will be a possibility of looking at any photoluminescent agent. Labelled biological materials are very likely to be studied using this technique and if I get enough time I may try to do it in the scope of my thesis.

4. Why are you interested in nanoscale science?
In addition to its fascinating aspects, which make nanoscience very interesting, it is a young, fast growing field of science, especially nano-optics. In most cases (for instance mine) the work has not yet been done and its very new. When you are doing the experiments it is very interesting to feel the nature at the nanometer scale which is different from larger scales. It's a lot of fun when in the lab you see that " there is plenty of room at the bottom".

5. What are your plans for the future?
I have lots of plans always, but work-wise I would like to continue working in the field of nanoscience - maybe a little bit different.

6. What are your interests outside research?
Sport is my passion, of which, I like swimming the most and of course music etc.