Physics in Flatland: Searching for New Quantum Materials for Emerging Technologies

Abstract

Quantum physics has reshaped our understanding of materials and created opportunities to design materials for novel device applications. For example, superconductivity, an emergent quantum phenomenon in which electrons move without dissipating energy, has been exploited for devices that enable quantum computing and communications. In addition, modern electronics rely heavily on technology that confines electrons in the interfacial layers of atoms, where the electrons move in an effective two-dimensional (2D) space, a flatland. The unique properties of these low-dimensional material systems are generally understood by considering enhanced quantum effects. In recent years, scientists have discovered that they can stack atomically thin 2D quantum materials to create engineered materials with a wide variety of electronic and optical properties. In this talk, we will discuss several research efforts to realize emergent physical phenomena in stacked atomically thin layered materials and possible applications based on these materials.