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Northwestern University

Surfaces and Interfaces in Low-Dimensional and Quantum Materials

(Supported by DOE, NSF-MRSEC, AFOSR, NSF-DMR, ANL, Industry)

The natural evolution of functional materials’ architecture calls for their confinement in spatial and dimensional modes. Here, spatial confinement refers to inevitable attachment of materials to a substrate or an overlayer(s), for example. Dimensional constraint arises from the ubiquitous need for materials to be confined to zero (i.e., dots), one (lines), and two (i.e., films/membranes) dimensions to enhance aerial density and possible novel properties. Further, by juxtaposing two or more functional materials in close proximity, there are exciting new opportunities for synergistic coupling of disparate phenomena in hybrid confined materials systems.

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Thus, our objectives span fundamental studies of spatial/dimensional confinement to harnessing their technological opportunities. We are particularly interested in synthesizing and characterizing emerging 2D layered materials, including the chalcogenides. We further look at new methods for isolation of monolayers and the integration of layers into heterostructures and multi-dimensional nanocomposites, as well as doped and alloyed versions. Through collaborations with industry leaders such as Rigetti Computing, recent efforts have also focused on improving the performance of superconducting transmon qubits for next-generation quantum computers.

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Embedded in these initiatives are varied in-situ and ex-situ characterization, using photon, phonon, ion, scanning probe and electron microscopy. This is a multi/interdisciplinary effort done in collaboration with groups throughout NU Materials Science and Engineering, Physics and Astronomy, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Chemistry, and Applied Physics.

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Representative Publications:

 

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