Low-Dimensional Materials (Lowdim) line of research

Low dimensional materials refer to those systems in which electronic strate wavefunction is confined, at least in one of the three dimensions. Electronic confinament generally appears in the range from 1 nm to 100 nm. In these materials, spatial constraints give rise to quantum size effects, which can significantly alter their electronic properties and deeply modify their behavior, as compared to their bulk counterparts. Those systems have shown a kaleidoscope of intriguing phenomena and extraordinary electronic, optical, thermal, mechanical and chemical properties, which may result in their use in wide range of nanotechnology.

Technologically relevant examples of low-dimensional systems are two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene, layered semiconductors and insulators, topological insulators, etc.

The primary goals of Lowdim are the synthesis of novel 2D materials and the fundamental understanding of their properties. Current work-areas of the Unit include:

• The development of preparation techniques which may produce large-area crystalline 2D layered materials exhibiting tunable band gaps.
• The development of doping techniques able to tailor the electronic, optical, and transport properties of 2D layered materials.
• The electronic and optical characterization of 2D materials and related devices.
• The development of structures based on 2D materials for optoelectronic applications.
• The desing, development, and characterization of devices combining 2D materials, nanoribbons and/or QDs.