Summary:
UCLA researchers have developed a novel approach for the generation of hybrid superlattices with tunable properties.
Background:
Heterostructures are composed of two or more semiconductor crystals with interfaces across which chemical makeup changes, and superlattices are simply composed of nanoscale layers that allow quantum confinement and tunneling. Controlling and exploiting these qualities will lead to increased understanding in condensed matter physics as well as better functional electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, until now challenges in mismatched lattice structures and solid-state synthesis have limited production and investigation of these materials. Materials with substantially different lattice structures generally cannot be layered on top one of one another without generating defects and degrading their intrinsic properties. Novel production methods enabling the integration of heterogeneous materials with distinct structures could present an invaluable advance in electronics and computing. There is a clear need for a reliable method of producing and understanding superlattices with tunable properties.
Innovation:
Researchers led by Professor Xiangfeng Duan have developed a novel library of these quantum superlattices composed of two-dimensional atomic crystals (2DACs). The synthetic method allows for modular design of number of layers as well as interlayer spacing, breaking the fundamental limits previously set by thermodynamics by exploiting kinetic stability. The platform is not limited to the demonstrated examples, but rather is amenable to nearly infinite combinations. This technique will facilitate the design of novel materials for the investigation of electronic, photonic and quantum phenomena beyond existing limitations.
Potential Applications:
• Production of artificial solids
• Quantum cascade lasers
• Photodetectors and other sensors
• Various electronic and optoelectronic devices
• Supercomputing qubits
Advantages:
• Allows creation of materials forbidden by thermodynamic limits
• Works with most 2D atomic crystals
• Tunable properties of produced superlattices, including band offsets, magnetic ordering, and more
Development-To-Date:
53 materials have been developed and described in a peer-reviewed publication
Related Papers:
A General Modular Assembly Approach to a Library of Hybrid Superlattices and Artificial Quantum Solids
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2024-098
Lead Inventors:
Xiangfeng Duan, Yu Huang