Summary
Atomically thin 2D materials constitute promising building blocks for quantum devices due to their exotic, layer-dependent electronic properties. The ability to stack these materials in alternating layers enables heterostructures to be built in almost limitless combinations and over small enough length scales to observe quantum phenomena. So far though, practical implementation of devices based on layered 2D materials has been limited by the challenges of depositing or transferring single atomically thin layers over large areas and of building multi-layers from different materials. In this project, we expand on our previously demonstrated scalable deposition techniques of films for electrochemical applications and control of defects in exfoliated 2D material flakes to build electronic and optoelectronic-based quantum devices in collaboration with Prof. Na Young Kim’s group. Our central goal is to create large area heterostructures of 2D materials built by sequential Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) deposition. We will use these heterostructures to construct simple proof-of-principle quantum devices such as resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs). The work will include finding optimized film parameters for dense, ultrathin tunneling barriers, development of patterning approaches compatible with sequential LB deposition, and ultimately demonstrating a working single, double, and multi-junction RTDs on flexible substrates. While the RTD is one of the simplest quantum devices that can be fabricated from heterostructures of 2D materials, the methodologies we establish in this project will pave the way for improved THz emitters and detectors, faster transistors and memories, and other devices that rely on similar heterostructures and design.
Figure 1. Large-area, atomically thin coatings of 2D materials prepared by continuous Langmuir deposition. Scanning electron microscopy image (top); Picture of large area coating on glass (bottom).
Related Content
Quantum Simulations of Fundamental Interactions
Summary To address questions in modern physics such as “what is the structure of matter inside neutron stars?” we need better computational methods to evaluate the interplay of fundamental forces between elementary particles. To-date the response to such questions rests on numerical computer simulations that are inherently limited. In this project, we develop new theoretical […]
April 18, 2019
Next Generation Quantum Sensors
We are developing new semiconductor p-n junctions and designing novel nanowire arrays that have the potential to significantly enhance the ability to detect light at the single photon level over an unprecedented wavelength range from the ultraviolet to infrared.
June 1, 2017
Composite Superconductors for Improved Quantum Coherence
Summary Conventional superconductors have trouble performing well in magnetic fields required for electron spin resonance (ESR) – based quantum information processing applications. We can, however, use proximity engineering to select desired properties from different materials and combine them for improved superconducting performance in magnetic fields — an improvement that would have strong implications for […]
December 12, 2018
Magnetoelectric Coupling in New Composite Multiferroic Nanostructures as High-Density Quantum Multistate Memory Elements
Summary Magnetoelectric multiferroics are materials that exhibit correlated ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties (i.e., a magnetoelectric effect). The resulting ability of these materials to simultaneously store data in electric polarization and magnetic moment could increase data storage density and data processing speed while reducing energy consumption. This project aims to design and fabricate new composite multiferroic […]
February 1, 2023