Engineering 2D materials with a twist

Cory Dean
Department of Physics, Columbia University

Abstract

Atomically thin crystals such as graphene, boron nitride and the transition metal dichalcogenides continue to attract enormous interest. Encompassing a wide range of  properties, including single-particle, topological and correlated phenomenon, these 2D materials represent  a rich class of materials in which to explore both novel physical phenomenon and new technological pursuits. By integrating these materials with one another, an exciting new opportunity has emerged in which entirely new layered heterostructures can be fabricated with emergent properties beyond those of the constituent materials. In this talk I will discuss some of our recent efforts where,  by tuning the geometry of  these heterostructures at the nanoscale, we are able to realize yet a new level of control over their electronic properties. In particular I will discuss the significant role played by the rotational alignment between adjacent layers and the approach we are taking towards manipulating this degree of freedom to dynamically tune device properties in ways that are not possible with conventional materials.