In
the Stier sub-group at the SNQS chair of WSI (Prof. J. J. Finley), we explore
the properties of novel nanomaterials with a current focus on 2D semiconductors
and van der Waals stacked hybrid structures. Specifically, we aim to understand
the influence of dielectric, magnetic and/or topological environments on the
electrical and optical properties of our structures.
We want to fundamentally understand such systems and to learn how to
control and tailor their properties with a vision towards photonics,
electronics, quantum technologies and energy harvesting.
To
reach our goal, we pursue all stages from material preparation to
characterization of electronic, optical and structural properties, as well as
device fabrication and – of course - probing of device functionalities.
Because
the energetic landscape in 2D materials is significantly different from
conventional semiconductor materials, we sometimes use very large magnetic
fields and very low temperatures for our studies – tools that allow us to test our devices in a regime where quantum effects occur.