EPI2SEM: EPItaxial growth and in-situ analysis of 2-dimensional SEMiconductors
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Sch of Physics & Astronomy
Abstract
The progressive miniaturization of materials and devices in the 21st century has enabled important discoveries and access to a wide range of phenomena of fundamental and applied interest. But future progress and innovative solutions to global challenges require a shift towards transformative material systems and integration technologies. Here we propose to establish at the University of Nottingham a facility (EPI2SEM) for the EPItaxial growth and in-situ analysis of a new generation of 2-dimensional SEMiconductors based on metal chalcogenides. Their unique electronic properties (tuneable band structure, IR-VIS-UV broad optical absorption, electron correlations, high electron mobility, etc.) and versatility for a wide range of applications (digital flexible electronics, optoelectronics, quantum technologies, energy, etc.) have attracted a surge of interest worldwide. However, for these new materials to meet academia and industry needs, several challenges must be addressed, including their controlled scalable growth, investigation by advanced techniques, and integration in complex device architectures.
EPI2SEM will provide the UK community with a unique capability for the development of semiconductors grown with atomic layer precision in a clean ultra high vacuum system with fully-characterised electronic, chemical and morphological properties for advances across several research disciplines. EPI2SEM will enable the transformative miniaturization and functionalization of semiconductors for advances in condensed matter (quantum materials), manufacturing (new processes and designs), quantum technologies (security, sensing, communication), nanotechnologies (low-energy consumption, diversification, integration), surface physics (sensing, catalysis, energy conversion). Progress in these areas is key to the health of several research disciplines (engineering, medicine, chemistry, biology, etc.) contributing towards prosperity outcomes.
The future competitiveness of the UK economy relies on innovation in science; ability to respond timely to global changes/challenges through innovation in infrastructure; the availability of highly-skilled and trained scientists and technologists; and flexibility to exploit novel technologies and materials to deliver better quality of life. This proposal has the potential to deliver innovation across these areas, addressing several challenges facing society. In particular, EPI2SEM will contribute to address the EPSRC priority of "21st Century Materials". In 2013, David Willetts announced the Eight Great Technologies that will propel the UK to future growth. This includes "Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology" that led to the establishment of the Henry Royce Institute (NGI) and the National Graphene Institute (NGI). One of the research pillars of the HRI/NGI is "2D Materials", but methods for their manufacturing need to be developed. The new equipment will set out the key steps needed to reach a long-term vision and benefit strategically important research areas, as set out in the 2018 government industrial strategy White paper.
EPI2SEM will provide the UK community with a unique capability for the development of semiconductors grown with atomic layer precision in a clean ultra high vacuum system with fully-characterised electronic, chemical and morphological properties for advances across several research disciplines. EPI2SEM will enable the transformative miniaturization and functionalization of semiconductors for advances in condensed matter (quantum materials), manufacturing (new processes and designs), quantum technologies (security, sensing, communication), nanotechnologies (low-energy consumption, diversification, integration), surface physics (sensing, catalysis, energy conversion). Progress in these areas is key to the health of several research disciplines (engineering, medicine, chemistry, biology, etc.) contributing towards prosperity outcomes.
The future competitiveness of the UK economy relies on innovation in science; ability to respond timely to global changes/challenges through innovation in infrastructure; the availability of highly-skilled and trained scientists and technologists; and flexibility to exploit novel technologies and materials to deliver better quality of life. This proposal has the potential to deliver innovation across these areas, addressing several challenges facing society. In particular, EPI2SEM will contribute to address the EPSRC priority of "21st Century Materials". In 2013, David Willetts announced the Eight Great Technologies that will propel the UK to future growth. This includes "Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology" that led to the establishment of the Henry Royce Institute (NGI) and the National Graphene Institute (NGI). One of the research pillars of the HRI/NGI is "2D Materials", but methods for their manufacturing need to be developed. The new equipment will set out the key steps needed to reach a long-term vision and benefit strategically important research areas, as set out in the 2018 government industrial strategy White paper.
Planned Impact
EPI2SEM will enable the transformative miniaturization and functionalization of semiconductors for advances in condensed matter (quantum materials), manufacturing (new processes and designs), quantum technologies (security, sensing, communication), nanotechnologies (low-energy consumption, diversification, integration), surface physics (sensing, catalysis, energy conversion). Progress in these areas is key to the health of several research disciplines (engineering, medicine, chemistry, biology, etc.) contributing towards prosperity outcomes.
The future competitiveness of the UK economy relies on innovation in science; ability to respond timely to global changes/challenges through innovation in infrastructure; the availability of highly-skilled and trained scientists and technologists; and flexibility to exploit novel technologies and materials to deliver better quality of life. This proposal has the potential to deliver innovation across these areas, addressing several challenges facing society.
Our strategy is a sustainable research infrastructure that will help the UK to respond to challenges in science, industry and society.
We will actively pursue pathways to impact of the equipment by:
- Maximizing its usage to support new science and kick-start innovative research projects
Although EPI2SEM will be used mainly by condensed-matter scientists, an increasing use can also be expected by researchers in other disciplines, such as chemistry and engineering. This potential will be further developed through an active and targeted dissemination strategy towards new communities, supported by preferential access for 'first-time users', pump priming projects, and the adaptation of instrumentation to specific needs.
- Bridging the gap with industry to strengthen the socio-economic impact
The proposed facility will push the frontiers of modern technologies by stimulating innovation across different sectors. To realize this potential we will actively attracting industrial users by offering novel, optimized services, targeted outreach activities and a dedicated industrial access procedure through a dedicated industrial liaisons officer. The University of Nottingham is committed to supporting the long-term industrial and economic impact of EPI2SEM through the Technology Transfer and IP Commercialisation team, which will facilitate the translation and commercial exploitation of scientific discoveries emerging from the research enabled by EPI2SEM.
- Strengthening the role of the facility worldwide
As the cost and complexity of facilities continues to increase, there is a growing awareness that collaboration is essential to remain competitive on a global scale. We will promote network activities on the development and production of materials and devices. We will define and defend a global position on the future of condensed matter research towards national and international policy makers and funding agencies through a pro-active targeted outreach strategy. We have established partnerships with several world-leading groups and provided materials for research on 2D semiconductors to over 30 groups, including 7 UK institutions.
The Operation and Steering Groups of EPI2SEM will ensure the delivery of these three main targets through measures to capture impact by key performance indicators (KPIs), i.e. by monitoring research outputs, number of users, patents, research contracts, etc. In particular, effective dissemination (e.g. by press releases, flyers, brochures, web-site, publication, exhibitions) is pivotal to success and long-term sustainability. Thus the impact of all communication activities will be monitored and adjustments made to increase impact whenever they are deemed to be insufficient.
The future competitiveness of the UK economy relies on innovation in science; ability to respond timely to global changes/challenges through innovation in infrastructure; the availability of highly-skilled and trained scientists and technologists; and flexibility to exploit novel technologies and materials to deliver better quality of life. This proposal has the potential to deliver innovation across these areas, addressing several challenges facing society.
Our strategy is a sustainable research infrastructure that will help the UK to respond to challenges in science, industry and society.
We will actively pursue pathways to impact of the equipment by:
- Maximizing its usage to support new science and kick-start innovative research projects
Although EPI2SEM will be used mainly by condensed-matter scientists, an increasing use can also be expected by researchers in other disciplines, such as chemistry and engineering. This potential will be further developed through an active and targeted dissemination strategy towards new communities, supported by preferential access for 'first-time users', pump priming projects, and the adaptation of instrumentation to specific needs.
- Bridging the gap with industry to strengthen the socio-economic impact
The proposed facility will push the frontiers of modern technologies by stimulating innovation across different sectors. To realize this potential we will actively attracting industrial users by offering novel, optimized services, targeted outreach activities and a dedicated industrial access procedure through a dedicated industrial liaisons officer. The University of Nottingham is committed to supporting the long-term industrial and economic impact of EPI2SEM through the Technology Transfer and IP Commercialisation team, which will facilitate the translation and commercial exploitation of scientific discoveries emerging from the research enabled by EPI2SEM.
- Strengthening the role of the facility worldwide
As the cost and complexity of facilities continues to increase, there is a growing awareness that collaboration is essential to remain competitive on a global scale. We will promote network activities on the development and production of materials and devices. We will define and defend a global position on the future of condensed matter research towards national and international policy makers and funding agencies through a pro-active targeted outreach strategy. We have established partnerships with several world-leading groups and provided materials for research on 2D semiconductors to over 30 groups, including 7 UK institutions.
The Operation and Steering Groups of EPI2SEM will ensure the delivery of these three main targets through measures to capture impact by key performance indicators (KPIs), i.e. by monitoring research outputs, number of users, patents, research contracts, etc. In particular, effective dissemination (e.g. by press releases, flyers, brochures, web-site, publication, exhibitions) is pivotal to success and long-term sustainability. Thus the impact of all communication activities will be monitored and adjustments made to increase impact whenever they are deemed to be insufficient.
Publications
Shiffa M
(2024)
Wafer-Scale Two-Dimensional Semiconductors for Deep UV Sensing.
in Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)
Description | Researchers in the Schools of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Nottingham have completed the installation in Dec. 2021 of a new facility (EPI2SEM) for the EPItaxial growth and in-situ analysis of two-dimensional (2d) SEMiconductors. The EPI2SEM facility is supported by Nottingham and an EPSRC Strategic Equipment Award. It now provides the UK and international community with a unique capability for the transformative miniaturization and functionalization of semiconductors, supporting a wide-ranging programme of fundamental science and application-driven research. EPI2SEM is a bespoke facility in Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV). It consists of a chamber for the synthesis of atomically thin 2d semiconductors by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), a second chamber for band structure and chemical analysis by electron spectroscopy (nanoESCA), and a third chamber for morphological studies by scanning probe microscopy (SPM). All modules are interconnected in UHV by a linear transfer line (LTL), providing integrated sample transfer between growth and analysis chambers without contamination of the grown materials. 2d semiconductors with controlled layer thickness, composition and interfaces will provide a platform to reveal a rich variety of new quantum phenomena for science and technologies. These hold promise to revolutionize different sectors ranging from communication to computing and security towards a second quantum revolution. |
Exploitation Route | EPI2SEM provides the UK with a unique research capability for growth and in situ studies of 2D semiconductors and heterostructures. There is a competitive UK community (e.g. in Bath, Cambridge, Exeter, Oxford, Sheffield, Lancaster, Herriot-Watt, Warwick, Imperial College London, St Andrews, NPL, HRI, etc.) working on different aspects of research on 2D materials, from advanced methods for their growth to fundamental and applied studies. Our team has engaged before successfully with the national and international community for research on 2D semiconductors (over 30 groups, including 7 UK institutions) and is participating actively in international consortia, such as the EU Graphene Flagship and the EMFL. EPI2SEM is now a hub for 2SEM development via a pump-priming scheme of the EPSRC National Epitaxy Facility for the provision of 2SEM to the UK community (2023-28). This has stimulated new partnerships worldwide, including with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) via an Industrial Cooperative Award in Science&Technology (2022-26) and a project on UV-C sensors and sources for optical communication (2022-25). |
Sectors | Education Electronics Energy Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Security and Diplomacy |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtXWhMOs9D4 |
Description | EPI2SEM is now a hub for development of two-dimensional semiconductors (2SEM) via a pump-priming scheme of the EPSRC National Epitaxy Facility for the provision of 2SEM to the UK community (2023-28). This has stimulated new partnerships worldwide, including with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) via an Industrial Cooperative Award in Science&Technology (2022-26) and a project on UV-C sensors and sources for optical communication (2022-25). Discussions for new collaborative agreements are ongoing with the UK company Paragraf. |
First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
Sector | Electronics |
Impact Types | Cultural |
Description | EPSRC Industrial CASE (ICASE) |
Amount | £118,562 (GBP) |
Funding ID | Voucher Award 220003 |
Organisation | Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2022 |
End | 09/2026 |
Description | Feasibility Study into Novel Concepts for a UV Communications System |
Amount | £98,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | PA2260 |
Organisation | Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2022 |
End | 02/2023 |
Description | Novel Concepts for a UV Communication System |
Amount | £800,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2023 |
End | 03/2025 |
Description | Improving the sustainability of the European Magnetic Field Laboratory |
Organisation | European Magnetic Field Laboratory |
Country | Belgium |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof. Amalia Patanè has joined 18 European partners in the European Union award ISABEL "Improving the sustainability of the European Magnetic Field Laboratory". High magnetic fields are one of the most powerful tools available to scientists for the study, modification and control of states of matter. The European Magnetic Field Laboratory (EMFL) represents all high-field infrastructures in Europe and constitutes a distributed research infrastructure of global impact and importance. Within ISABEL, Nottingham will contribute to strengthen the role of high magnetic field research in Europe and the UK membership of the EMFL on behalf of the EPSRC (https://gow.epsrc.ukri.org/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=NS/A000060/1). |
Collaborator Contribution | High magnetic fields are one of the most powerful tools available to scientists for the study, modification and control of states of matter. The European Magnetic Field Laboratory (EMFL) represents all high-field infrastructures in Europe and constitutes a distributed research infrastructure of global impact and importance. |
Impact | Physics, Chemistry, Biophysics and Engineering |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Partnership with the Institute of Semiconductors (Chinese Academy of Sciences) |
Organisation | Chinese Academy of Sciences |
Country | China |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Exchange of samples, joint experiments and PhD students. |
Collaborator Contribution | Exchange of samples, joint experiments and PhD students. |
Impact | - Joint publications (listed with other outputs) - International Fellowship awarded to Prof. Patane (6 months visit) - Honorary professorship to Prof. Patane - Joint 4-year PhD program: University of Nottingham and Institute of Semiconductors (CAS) |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Partnerships with members of the EU Graphene Flagship (Horizon 2020) |
Organisation | National Physical Laboratory |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Our research on metal chalcogenide van der Waals crystals initiated new research activities and received funding within Horizon 2020. Collaborations include work on device fabrication and quantum transport in InSe, and magnetic force microscopy studies of magnetic InSe with the University of Manchester, ETH-Zurich and the National Physical Laboratory (UK). Nottingham provided materials to these partners and took part in all discussions/paper writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | The University of Manchester and ETH-Zurich provided device fabrication and experimental transport studies of InSe. The NPL assisted with the magnetic force microscopy studies of magnetic InSe. |
Impact | The collaboration has led to joint publications, as listed in the list of publications. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Partnerships with members of the EU Graphene Flagship (Horizon 2020) |
Organisation | University of Manchester |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Our research on metal chalcogenide van der Waals crystals initiated new research activities and received funding within Horizon 2020. Collaborations include work on device fabrication and quantum transport in InSe, and magnetic force microscopy studies of magnetic InSe with the University of Manchester, ETH-Zurich and the National Physical Laboratory (UK). Nottingham provided materials to these partners and took part in all discussions/paper writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | The University of Manchester and ETH-Zurich provided device fabrication and experimental transport studies of InSe. The NPL assisted with the magnetic force microscopy studies of magnetic InSe. |
Impact | The collaboration has led to joint publications, as listed in the list of publications. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Partnerships with members of the EU Graphene Flagship (Horizon 2020) |
Organisation | University of Zurich |
Country | Switzerland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Our research on metal chalcogenide van der Waals crystals initiated new research activities and received funding within Horizon 2020. Collaborations include work on device fabrication and quantum transport in InSe, and magnetic force microscopy studies of magnetic InSe with the University of Manchester, ETH-Zurich and the National Physical Laboratory (UK). Nottingham provided materials to these partners and took part in all discussions/paper writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | The University of Manchester and ETH-Zurich provided device fabrication and experimental transport studies of InSe. The NPL assisted with the magnetic force microscopy studies of magnetic InSe. |
Impact | The collaboration has led to joint publications, as listed in the list of publications. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Animation of EPI2SEM |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | The animation of the new EPI2SEM facility has reached > 10000 people. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtXWhMOs9D4 |