Student Projects

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as a promising class of layered materials for optoelectronic applications and discovering novel physical phenomena [1]. Different 2D materials can be mechanically exfoliated onto silicon substrates, which can then be assembled into heterostructures with the dry pick-up technique for making novel optoelectronic devices. In this semester project you will learn many state-of-the-art nano-fabrication techniques, such as mechanical exfoliation, van der Waals heterostructure assembly, glovebox, AFM, optical lithography, etc. Moreover, you will have the opportunities to join the measurement of different optoelectronic devices and learn different characterization methods. References: [1] F. Xia et al., “Two-dimensional material nanophotonics”, Nature Photonics 8, 899-907 (2014). [2] F. Withers et al., “Light-emitting diodes by band-structure engineering in van der Waals heterostructures”, Nature Materials 14, 301-306 (2015). Prerequisites: Interest in practical lab work and curiosity about frontier research.

Supervisor: Antti Moilanen(amoilanen@ethz.ch), Lukas Novotny (lnovotny@ethz.ch)

The exploration of two-dimensional (2D) materials opened the door to a realm of fascinating electronic and optical properties [1]. Since the groundbreaking isolation of graphene, a myriad of 2D materials, ranging from insulators to conductors and semiconductors, have emerged [2]. What makes these materials truly captivating is their facile isolation and the ability to stack them, creating heterostructures with intriguing properties. In our laboratory, we have an xpertise in 2D-material device fabrication as well as in optical and electrical characterization techniques. We focus on the development of light-emitting tunnel junctions, revealing unexpected behaviors that defy conventional understanding [3]. The aim of this project is to fabricate electrically controllable 2D-material devices in novel combinations that have not still been comprehensively investigated and conduct optical and electrical spectroscopic studies. Throughout the project, you will gain hands-on experience in device fabrication and become adept at utilizing diverse experimental setups both in ambient and cryogenic conditions. In that way, you will actively contribute into our ongoing research on 2D-material heterostructures, potentially leading to groundbreaking discoveries. References: [1] Novoselov et al., Science, 353, 6298 (2016) [2] Geim et al., Nature, 499, 419-425 (2013) [3] Wang et al., Nature Materials 22, 1094-1099 (2023) Prerequisites: Fundamental understanding of solid-state physics and optics with a keen interest in fabrication, spectroscopy and experimental techniques is crucial. We’re seeking for a critical and independent thinker who wants to contribute to the collaborative research efforts of our dynamic team.

The aim of this project is to fabricate electrically controllable 2D-material devices in novel combinations that have not still been comprehensively investigated and conduct optical and electrical spectroscopic studies.

Supervisors: Jonas Ziegler (zieglerj@ethz.ch)