Atomic point defects in two-dimensional materials
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: London Centre for Nanotechnology
Abstract
Brief description of the context of the research including potential impact;
In this project we will explore the electronic and magnetic properties of novel two-dimensional materials at the atomic scale. The principal tool for this work will be low temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS). Two dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene and the transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are of great current interest for their potental role in future electronic devices. Here we will focus primarilly on the properties of novel atomic point defects in 2D materials, as well as methods by which to create and couple them in ways that can be exploited for the creation of nanoelectronic devices.
Aims and objectives
The primary aim will be the growth and characterisation of 2D materials and the in-situ creation of novel atomic point defects via deposition, sputtering, and/or direct atomic manipulation. We aim to explore the fundamentals of doping, Fermi level pinning, and the role of defects in the emergence of phenomena such as CDW states, as well as the intrinsic properties of point defects and nanostructures of point defects for potential application in nanoelectronic devices. Materials of interest are intercalated transitional metal dichalcogenides, novel 2D materials such as phosphorene and germanene, and graphene.
Novelty of the research methodology
The novelty of our approach lies in the ability to create the atomic point defects in-situ and to explore their properties at the atomic-scale using low temperature STM/STS.
Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas
There is strong overlap with the EPSRCs research areas Condensed Matter Electronic Structure, Condensed Matter Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, Graphene and Carbon Nanotechnology, Quantum Devices Components and Systems.
Any companies or collaborators involved
Zyvex Labs., Dallas, Texas, USA, have been involved with preliminary discussions regarding the creation of point defects on TMD materials using STM atomic manipulation.
In this project we will explore the electronic and magnetic properties of novel two-dimensional materials at the atomic scale. The principal tool for this work will be low temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS). Two dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene and the transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are of great current interest for their potental role in future electronic devices. Here we will focus primarilly on the properties of novel atomic point defects in 2D materials, as well as methods by which to create and couple them in ways that can be exploited for the creation of nanoelectronic devices.
Aims and objectives
The primary aim will be the growth and characterisation of 2D materials and the in-situ creation of novel atomic point defects via deposition, sputtering, and/or direct atomic manipulation. We aim to explore the fundamentals of doping, Fermi level pinning, and the role of defects in the emergence of phenomena such as CDW states, as well as the intrinsic properties of point defects and nanostructures of point defects for potential application in nanoelectronic devices. Materials of interest are intercalated transitional metal dichalcogenides, novel 2D materials such as phosphorene and germanene, and graphene.
Novelty of the research methodology
The novelty of our approach lies in the ability to create the atomic point defects in-situ and to explore their properties at the atomic-scale using low temperature STM/STS.
Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas
There is strong overlap with the EPSRCs research areas Condensed Matter Electronic Structure, Condensed Matter Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, Graphene and Carbon Nanotechnology, Quantum Devices Components and Systems.
Any companies or collaborators involved
Zyvex Labs., Dallas, Texas, USA, have been involved with preliminary discussions regarding the creation of point defects on TMD materials using STM atomic manipulation.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Steven Schofield (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Eric Lundgren (Student) |
| Description | PhD taster day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Had an undergraduate, prospective postgraduate student shadow me for a day to get an idea of life as a PhD student. This involved showing and explaining my research in the lab, giving the student hands-on experience with ultra-high vacuum data collection, answering questions and giving more general insights into the ups and downs of doing a PhD and life as a PhD student. I received very positive feedback from the student who afterwards expressed interest in pursuing postgraduate study. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Supervision of and collaboration with undergraduate students at Masters level |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Several undergraduate students have been doing their Masters project in my laboratory during my time as a PhD student. In each case I have spent time supervising their work and instructing them in the safe use of ultrahigh vacuum equipment, as well as explaining relevant theory. In some cases the students have also been directly involved in my PhD work and assisting me with data collection and analysis for my project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019,2020 |