Physics Colloquium - Van der Waals Heterostructures

Van der Waals Heterostructures

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, such as graphene and semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), have great potential for the next-generation electronic and optoelectronic applications. The unique properties inherited from the ultrathin planer structures as well as the feasibility of creating various kinds of 2D heterostructures allow the fabrication of multifunctional devices on transparent and flexible substrates, which are ideal for future wearable technology.  In my talk, an introduction to the impact of bandstructure resulted from van der Waals interaction will be discussed. Moreover, I will briefly review the fabrication of ultrathin 2D heterostructures and the issue of hydrocarbon residue as contaminants at interface of heterostructures. Later, I will focus on our current studies of electronic and optoelectronic properties of several 2D heterostructures. Our research can potentially open new pathways towards designing and integrating 2D heterostructures.