Two-dimensional materials from physics to applications

• explain basic structural, mechanical, electronic, and photonic properties of 2D materials and discuss how they differ from corresponding 3D materials
• describe key methods for the synthesis, transfer, integration, and device fabrication of 2D materials, and discuss their possibilities and limitations
• analyse selected application cases within 2D-material-based technology, with a focus on the relationship between material choice, physical operating principles, component design, and functionality
• assess how material properties can be exploited in selected technological solutions, for example in electronics, photonics, sensing, neuromorphic computing, or filtration
• use and critically evaluate recent research literature on 2D materials and related applications
• identify key technical challenges, scaling barriers, and development opportunities in translating 2D materials from basic research to practical applications
• set up a simple quantitative physical model for a relevant materials-technology problem using programming, with or without artificial intelligence
• carry out short written analyses of the cases covered, linking material properties, physical models, and technological relevance in a coherent academic argument
• formulate an independent research idea and turn it into a well-structured research proposal with clear objectives, choice of methods, expected results, and a realistic scientific rationale
• present and discuss a research proposal orally, and provide as well as receive qualified academic feedback in dialogue with fellow students and teachers

In this course, you will learn about 2D materials physics and engineering through 5 selected use cases with specific potential and relevance for practical applications in the near or far future. For each case, you will study the basic material properties, device/application physics and engineering techniques and challenges, critically review state of the art literature and analyse the obstacles and potential for turning this into viable applications.

This years’ technology use cases will include (1) flexible transistors for artificial retinas, (2) memristors for neuromorphic computing, (3) optical components based on high-refractive 2D materials, (4) magnetosensors for measurements of currents in nerve cells and brains, (5) desalination of water by tunable nanopore filtration.

The course will begin with a crash course in synthesis and fabrication techniques in 2D materials, and end with a final project where you write a research application based on your own idea. You will also learn how to use generative AI-programming to create and validate computational models for the different use cases, to assist you in understanding and predicting the technology’s behavior and performance.

10104/10036, or equivalent courses.

The course introduces 2D materials, their key differences from 3D materials, and relevant synthesis and device fabrication methods. It then covers selected emerging technology use-cases, emphasizing the links between materials, properties, physics, and applications. The work combines individual and group assignments, culminating in a research proposal based on your own idea, optionally written with a fellow student, and reviewed by both students and teachers.

Minimum: 10, Maximum: 30.

Please be aware that this course has a minimum requirement for the number of participants needed, in order for it to be held. If these requirements are not met, then the course will not be held. Furthermore, there is a limited number of seats available. If there are too many applicants, a pool will be created for the remainder of the qualified applicants, and they will be selected at random. You will be informed 8 days before the start of the course, whether you have been allocated a spot.