Research at MYlab

New materials. New physics. New electronics.

We connect fundamental nanoscale phenomena with device concepts and scalable materials systems.

01 · Emerging device physics

New types of electronics

We investigate physical phenomena that can enable new electronic devices. Magnetic degrees of freedom, including spin and magnetization, offer routes toward lower-power operation; we use ultrathin barriers between magnetic layers to study magnetization-dependent quantum tunneling and magnetoresistance.

We also investigate compound material systems that produce memristive behavior with high precision and tunability, inspired by information processing in the brain. At optical frequencies, we study nanoscale light-matter interactions as a route toward high-speed, information-dense communication and interconnects.

For quantum technologies, we investigate the states and interactions of individual electrons and use atomic-scale defects in diamond as a platform for advanced optical manipulation and characterization.

02 · Materials integration

Improving current electronics

As electronics reach the nanoscale, interfaces and surface imperfections increasingly limit conventional silicon devices. We investigate atomically thin, two-dimensional materials as potential building blocks for future ultra-scaled transistors and related devices.

A central challenge is integration. We focus on lowering contact resistance and use high-throughput synthesis and characterization to survey thermodynamic phases, compositions, and geometries efficiently.

We also develop laser-based synthesis approaches in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and scanning-probe-based electrical measurement systems in collaboration with SmarAct GmbH to extract information from complex materials.

03 · Emergent systems

Enabling large-scale electronics

Beyond making individual devices faster, electronics can become more useful by becoming more widely distributed. Ubiquitous electronics requires sensors, interfaces, and processors that can be produced sustainably, economically, and unobtrusively.

We study nanostructure assemblies as a route toward this goal. In these systems, useful functions can emerge from the interaction of many simple components. We have used such behavior for precision displacement sensing and mechanics-based infrared detection.

We are also developing methods to create robust nanomaterial assemblies. Graphene flake films, for example, can form exceptionally strong, free-standing electronic films when assembled edge-to-edge.