Engineering Low-Dimensional Layered Structures

Stanev, Teodor Kosev

doi:https://doi.org/10.21985/n2-xrb8-5792

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Engineering Low-Dimensional Layered Structures

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The highly flexible nature of 2D materials has led to them becoming fundamental building blocks for achieving novel device physics and potential breakthroughs in practical technologies. 2D layers can be interfaced in a wide array of methods with themselves, other 2D layered materials, or materials of entirely different type or dimension. As such, layered materials present themselves as good components for building towards goals greater than the sum of the parts. In this Thesis, I will first present on a number of projects that utilize 2D materials in different configurations to achieve significant steps forward in 2D device fabrication. Of main focus, layered hexagonal boron nitride is utilized for its quality preserving properties. The first application was to greatly improve contact performance of an electronic 2D-2D heterojunction, allowing for more sensitive electrical characterization of the heterojunction. Secondly, hexagonal boron nitride was utilized as a protective layers around an MX2 monolayer to achieve state of the art direct patterning without damaging the MX2 layer and compromising its desired optoelectronic properties. In the second half of this Thesis, focus will shift from 2D-2D layered combinations to 2D-0D mixed dimensional structures where monolayers are interfaced with the organic molecules of phthalocyanines and pentacene. Here monolayers serve as substrates upon which organic molecules can be deposited, and interfacial states that arise are studied as well as how these materials template upon deposition. In the third and final main section, the topic will be of protection of volatile layered materials that rapidly decay in atmosphere. My contribution will mainly be focused on how these protected layers were measured for their magnetic properties using Magneto Opical Kerr Effect and its realization. The effects of different methods of protection on the magnetic character are also studied. Finally, an extensive Appendix will highlight my work in developing the techniques for layer engineering as well as highlight several projects not part of the main Thesis that were enabled by my methods, including an all new in-situ TEM electrical measurement of suspended 2D materials.

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