Graphene and beyond

Presentation

This project begins with a bibliographic work dedicated to novel two-dimensional materials, following a general presentation with guidelines. Depending on their bibliographic researches, the students will elaborate an experimental project centered on a particular 2D material. A second meeting with the teacher will be used to validate or modify the project, taking into account the experimental facilities.

The experimental fabrication of the device includes three steps:

- Micro-mechanical exfoliation of a 3D material and local deposition of its 2D counterpart on a dedicated substrate. Observation and characterization using optical microscopy.

- Electrical addressing using electron-beam lithography and lift-off (fabrication of micro-electrodes)

 - Sample mounting on a special sample-holder using wedge bonding.

The students will characterize their devices using optical and atomic force microscopy, before measuring their electronic properties at low temperature and under magnetic field.

Organisation:

The projects are realized by groups of 2 or 3 students. During the laboratory sessions, the students are closely guided by a teacher.

Objectives

At the end of this module, the student understands and is able to explain (main concepts):

- the main properties of novel bi-dimensional materials such as graphene or transition metal dichalcogenides.

- the fabrication techniques derived from micromechanical cleavage from a mother material and the manipulation of these objects at the micrometer scale.

- the concepts and experimental methods aiming at the electrical addressing of these objects using e-beam lithography

- the electronic properties of these materials, as well as their potential for future applications.

The student will be able to:

- produce an experimental device involving a bi-dimensional material.

- measure the electronic properties of the fabricated device

- discuss the experimental results and propose further improvements when applicable.

Needed prerequisite

Master 1 in Physics, Applied Physics, Chemistry or Material Science or equivalent

Form of assessment

The evaluation of outcome prior learning is made as a continuous training during the semester. According ot the teaching, the assessment will be different: as a written exam, an oral exam, a record, a written report, peers review...

Bibliography

Les Nanosciences, Tome 1 et 2, Dunod