Welcome

Demand for new materials to meet the ever-growing computational, industrial, and energy needs of our society has never been higher. Research in the 2D Materials Laboratory focuses on understanding and controlling the electronic properties of extremely thin materials. We focus mainly on the family of van der Waals materials, such as graphene. Many of these materials are only one atom thick. This is a crucial factor to consider as consumer electronics become smaller and smaller. van der Waals materials can be easily assembled together, combining each of their unique properties. Researchers in our lab construct nanoscale electronics to better understand the physics behind how charges behave in devices made from these materials.

Many people consider electricity as flowing like water in a pipe and this is an extremely fruitful analogy for most metals, but this analogy breaks down when charges in a material interact strongly. In this scenario, charges can behave collectively and the result is often greater than the sum of its parts – more is different. Exciting new electronic properties result when charges interact strongly: they can crystallize, superconduct, coalesce, or more. Our work aims to characterize these electronic phases. We have the opportunity to realize exciting new electronic properties and design next-generation technology by understanding this collective behavior.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

News

Now hiring a postdoctoral researcher!

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January 2021: Our 1D Superlattice paper published in Nature Nanotechnology.

November 2020: A used thermal evaporator moves to the lab. Upgrades in progress.

July 2020: The lab welcomes a brand new Park Systems AFM.

April 2020: The NSF awards Dr. Dietrich with the prestigious CAREER Award.

October 2019: Construction is complete and the lab is officially open!