The family of semiconducting 2H-phase group-VI transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have been suggested to be promising candidates for hosting optically accessible spin qubits due to their desirable optical and electrical properties, however, experimental progress towards this goal has been impeded by the difficulties associated with the fabrication of clean structures with quality contacts. In this thesis, we present the complex process for obtaining functional contacts to two particular TMDs, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and tungsten diselenide (WSe2), from which we use as the foundation for the fabrication of three important gate defined quantum structures: quantum dots, a charge detector, and a long 1D channel. These structures all play an important role in furthering the understanding of these materials and are the building blocks for achieving functional spin qubits. More precisely, we investigate the contact resistances associated with various cleaning procedures and contact architectures and report a recipe that results in an ultra-low contact resistance even at cryogenic temperatures. We then demonstrate electrical control of hole quantum dots, the host of the spin qubit, in gated heterostructure devices based on monolayer WSe2 and study its properties. With a similar structure, we demonstrate that a gate-defined nano-constriction is sensitive to the charge occupation of a nearby quantum dot and is therefore suitable to be used as a charge sensor, a valuable component of elaborate quantum circuits. Finally, we demonstrate the realization of a gate-defined quantum confined 1D channel in a high mobility monolayer WSe2 sample and observe an anomalous conductance quantization in units of e2/h. These results pave the way for the development of quantum devices based on electrostatically confined quantum dots defined in semiconducting TMDs and push forward our understanding of their electronic properties.

The fast progress in the exploration of 2D materials such as graphene became possible due to development of fabrication techniques that allowed these materials to be protected from e.g. undesirable doping and gave rise to new functionalities realized within van der Waals heterostructures. Attracted by van der Waals interaction the constituent layers of such heterostructures preserve their exceptional electronic quality and for example in graphene allow for high electron mobility to be achieved. However, the studies of atomically thin layers such as NbSe2 that exhibit metallic behavior have been impeded by their reactivity and hence oxidation during exposure to ambient or oxidizing agents such as solvents. In this thesis, the existing heterostructure assembly technique was improved by the introduction of exfoliation and re-stacking by a fully motorized system placed in an inert atmosphere. This approach allowed us to overcome the problem of environmental degradation and create Hall bars and planar tunnel junctions from atomically thin superconducting NbSe2. Furthermore, this versatile approach allowed us to study the thickness dependence of the normal and superconducting state transport properties of NbSe2, uncovering the reduction of the superconducting energy gap and transition temperature in the thinnest samples. On the other hand, 2D materials being just 1-3 atoms thick represent an ultimate example of a membrane - thin but laterally extended object. Consisting of such atomically thin membranes the van der Waals heterostructures can be used for purposes other than the studies of electronic transport. In this work, ubiquitous bubbles occurring during van der Waals heterostructure assembly are employed as a tool to explore 2D materials' mechanical properties and mutual adhesion. This allowed us to measure Young's modulus of graphene and other 2D materials under 1-2% strain and deduce the internal pressure that can reach up to 1 GPa in sub-nanometer size bubbles.

<p>Since the successful exfoliation of graphene, two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted a lot of scientific interest due to their electronic, chemical, and mechanical properties. Due their reduced dimensionality, these 2D materials exhibit superior mechanical and optoelectronic properties when compared to their bulk counterparts. Within the family of 2D materials, the ultrathin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) such as Tungsten diselenide and Molybdenum disulphide have gained significant attention due to their chemical versatility and tunability. Furthermore, it is possible to leverage the distinct characteristic properties of these 2D materials, which are held together by van der Waals forces, by stacking different 2D layers on top of each other resulting in van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures. Due to the absence of feasible methods to effectively deform the crystal structures of these 2D materials and vdW heterostructures, their mechanical properties have not been thoroughly understood. The atomistic simulations can effectively capture the material behavior at the nanoscale level and help us not only not only understand the mechanical properties of these materials but also aid in the development of tailored processes to tune the material properties for the design of novel metamaterials. Using atomistic simulations, we develop the process - property relationships which can guide the direction of experimentation efforts, thereby making the process of discovering and designing new metamaterials efficient. </p><p>In this work, we have used laser shock nanostraining technique which is a scalable approach to modulate the optomechanical properties of 2D materials and vdW materials for practical semiconductor industry applications. The deformation mechanisms of 2D materials such as graphene, boron nitride (BN) and TMDs such as WSe₂ and MoS₂ are examined by employing a laser shocking process. We report studies on crystal structure deformation of multilayered WSe₂ and monolayer graphene at ultra-high strain rate using laser shock . The laser shocking process generates high pressure at GPa level, causing asymmetric 3D straining in graphene and a novel kinked-like locking structure in multilayered WSe₂. The deformation processes and related mechanical behaviors in laser shocked 2D materials are examined using atomistic simulations. Moiré heterostructures can be obtained by introducing a twist angle between these 2D layers, which can result into vdW materials with different properties, thereby adding an additional degree of freedom in the process-property design approach. We were able to successfully create a tunable stain profile in 2D materials and vdW heterostructures to modulate the local properties such as friction, and bandgap by controlling the level of laser shock, twist angle between the 2D layers and by applying appropriate laser shock pressure . We thus extend this knowledge to further explore the pathways of strain modulation using a combination of laser shocking process, moiré engineering, and strain engineering in 2D materials consisting of graphene, BN, and MoS₂ and to develop the process - property relationships in vdW materials. </p><p>In summary, this research presents a systematic understanding of the effect of laser shocking process on the van der Waals materials and demonstrates the modulation of mechanical and opto-electronic property using laser nanostraining approach. This understanding provides us with opportunities for deterministic design of 2D materials with controllable properties for semiconductor and nanoelectronics applications.</p>

As the family of two−dimensional(2D) materials has grown, two−dimensional heterostructure devices have emerged as great alternatives to replace conventional electronic materials and enable new functionality such as flexible and bendable electronics. The fabrication and performance of these devices depend critically on the understanding and ability to manipulate the mechanical interplay between the stacked materials. In this dissertation, we investigate adhesive interactions and determine the shear modulus of heterostructure devices made from Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2). MoS2 has been attracting attention recently due to its semiconductor nature (having a direct band gap of 1.9 eV) along with its exceptional mechanical strength and flexibility. As the first step of our research, we suspended MoS2 flakes grown through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) over substrates made of metal (gold, titanium, chromium), semiconductor (germanium, silicon), insulator (silicon oxide), and semi-metal (graphite). Then, by creating pressure differences across the membrane, we forced MoS2 to bulge upward until we observe separation from the surface of the substrates. We demonstrated that MoS2 on graphite has the highest work of separation within the tested surface materials. Furthermore, we measured considerable adhesion hysteresis between the work of separation and the work of adhesion. We proposed that surface roughness and chemical interactions play a role in surface adhesion and separation of 2D materials. These experiments are critical to guiding the future design of electrical and mechanical devices based on 2D materials. Next, we measured the effective shear modulus of MoS2/few−layer graphene (FLG) heterostructures by employing a blister test. Again, by introducing a pressure differential across the suspended MoS2 membrane over the FLG substrate, the MoS2/FLG heterostructure peeled off from the silicon oxide surface once the critical pressure is exceeded. Incorporating a modified free energy model and Hencky’s axisymmetric membrane solution, we determine the average effective shear modulus of the heterostructure. This is the first experimental measurement of the shear modulus of heterostructure devices using a blister test and this platform can be extended to determine the shear modulus of other 2D heterostructures as well. / 2024-05-24T00:00:00Z

Perovskite oxides have provided a wide variety of exotic functionalities based on their unique physical and chemical properties. By combining different perovskite oxides, interesting physical phenomena have been observed at the interfaces of perovskite heterostructures. The most interesting among these phenomena is the formation of two dimensional electron gas at the interface of two perovskite materials SrTiO3 and LaAlO3 which led to a number of fascinating physical properties such as metal-insulator transition, super-conductivity, large negative magnetoresistance and so on. This has raised the interest in exploiting the interface of various hybrids structures built on the perovskite oxide backbone. On the other hand, the two dimensional (2D) van der Waals materials such as graphene, MoS2, boron nitride etc. represent a new paradigm in the 2D electron-ics. The functionalities of these individual materials have been combined to obtain new enriched functionalities by stacking different materials together forming van der Waals heterostructures. In this work, we present a detailed study of the interface in hybrid structures made of vander Waals materials (graphene and MoS2) and their hybrids with a perovskite material namely, SrTiO3 which is known as the building block of complex oxide heterostructures. In graphene-MoS2 vertical heterostructure, we have carried out a detailed set of investigations on the modulation of the Schottky barrier at the graphene-MoS2 interface with varying external electric field. By using different stacking sequences and device structures, we obtained high mobility at large current on-off ratio at room temperature along with a tunable Schottky barrier which can be varied as high as ∼ 0.4 eV by applying electric field. We also explored the interface of graphene and SrTiO3 as well as MoS2 and SrTiO3 by electrical transport and low frequency 1/f noise measurements. We observed a hysteretic feature in the transfer characteristics of dual gated graphene and MoS2 field effect transistors on SrTiO3. The dual gated geometry enabled us to measure the effective capacitance of SrTiO3 interface which showed an enhancement indicating the possible existence of negative capacitance developed by the surface dipoles at the interface of SrTiO3 and the graphene or MoS2 channel. Our 1/f noise study and the analysis of higher order statistics of noise also support the possibility of electric field-driven reorient able surface dipoles at the interface.

Tato práce se zabývá oblastí dvourozměrných materiálů, jejich přípravou a analýzou. Pravděpodobně nejznámějším zástupcem dvourozměrných materiálů je grafen. Tento 2D allotrop uhlíku, někdy nazývaný „otec 2D materiálů“, v sobě spojuje neobyčejnou kombinaci elektrických, tepelných a mechanických vlastností. Grafen získal mnoho pozornosti a byl také připraven mnoha metodami. Jedna z těchto metod však stále vyniká nad ostatními kvalitou produkovaného grafenu. Mechanická exfoliace je ve srovnání s jinými technikami velmi jednoduchá, takto připravený grafen je však nejkvalitnější. Práce je také zaměřena na optimalizaci procesu tvorby heterostruktur složených z vrstev grafenu a hBN. Dle prezentovaného postupu bylo připraveno několik van der Waalsových heterostruktur, které byly analyzovány Ramanovskou spektroskopií, mikroskopií atomových sil a nízkoenergiovou elektronovou mikroskopií. Měření pohyblivosti nosičů náboje bylo provedeno v GFET uspořádání. Získané hodnoty pohyblivosti prokázaly vynikající transportní vlastnosti exfoliovaného grafenu v porovnání s grafenem připraveným jinými metodami. V práci popsaný proces přípravy je tedy vhodný pro výrobu kvalitních heterostruktur.

Optoelectronics is quickly becoming a fast emerging technology field. It refers to detect or emit electromagnetic radiation, and convert it into a form that can be read by an integrated measuring device. These devices can be a part of many applications like photodiodes, solar cells, light emitting diode (LED), telecommunications, medical equipment, and more. Due to their different applications, the semiconductor optoelectronic devices can be divided by their operating wavelength and working mechanisms. In this work, I have focused on semiconductor plasmonic systems operating in the mid-infrared and on the optical detectors made of 2D materials operating in the UV-visible spectral range. Mid-infrared plasmonic devices are very attractive for chemical sensing. Our results show that ultra-doped n-type GaAs is ideal for mid-infrared plasmonics, where the plasmon wavelength is controlled by electron concentration and can be as short as 4 μm. Ultra-doped n-type GaAs is achieved using ion implantation of chalcogenides like S and Te followed by nonequillibrium thermal annealing, namely ns-range pulsed laser melting or ms-range flash lamp annealing. I have shown that the maximum electron concentration in our GaAs layer can be as high as 7×10¹⁹ cm⁻³, which is a few times higher than that obtained by alternative techniques. In addition to plasmonic applications, the ultra-doped n-type GaAs shows negative magnetoresistance, making GaAs potential material for quantum devices and spintronic applications. UV-visible optical detectors are made of 2D materials based on van der Waals heterostructures, i.e. transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) e.g. MoSe₂ and transition metal chalcogenophosphates (TMCPs) with a general formula MPX₃ where M=Fe, Ni, Mn and X=S, Se, Te. The external quantum efficiency of a self-driven broadband photodetector made of a few layers of MoSe₂/FePS₃ van der Waals heterojunctions is as high as 12 % at 532 nm. Moreover, it is shown that multilayer MoSe₂ on FePS₃ forms a type-II band alignment, while monolayer MoSe₂ on FePS₃ forms a type-I heterojunction. Due to the type-I band alignment, the PL emission from the monolayer MoSe₂ is strongly enhanced.

Cette thèse porte sur l’étude du transport de charge et de spin dans les nanostructures 0D, 2D et les hétérostructures 2D-0D de Van der Waals (h-VdW). Les nanocristaux pérovskite de La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 ont révélé des magnétorésistances (MR) exceptionnelles à basse température résultant de l’aimantation de leur coquille indépendamment du coeur ferromagnétique. Les transistors à effet de champ à base de MoSe2 ont permis d’élucider les mécanismes d’injection de charge à l’interface metal/semiconducteur 2D. Une méthode de fabrication des h-VdW adaptés à l’électronique à un électron est rapportée et basée sur la croissance d’amas d’Al auto-organisés à la surface du graphene et du MoS2. La transparence des matériaux 2D au champ électrique permet de moduler efficacement l’état électrique des amas par la tension de grille arrière donnant lieu aux fonctionnalités de logique à un électron. Les dispositifs à base de graphene présentent des MR attribuées aux effets magnéto-Coulomb anisotropiques. / This thesis investigates the charge and spin transport processes in 0D, 2D nanostructures and 2D-0D Van der Waals heterostructures (VdWh). The La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 perovskite nanocrystals reveal exceptional magnetoresistances (MR) at low temperature driven by their paramagnetic shell magnetization independently of their ferromagnetic core. A detailed study of MoSe2 field effect transistors enables to elucidate a complete map of the charge injection mechanisms at the metal/MoSe2 interface. An alternative approach is reported for fabricating 2D-0D VdWh suitable for single electron electronics involving the growth of self-assembled Al nanoclusters over the graphene and MoS2 surfaces. The transparency the 2D materials to the vertical electric field enables efficient modulation of the electric state of the supported Al clusters resulting to single electron logic functionalities. The devices consisting of graphene exhibit MR attributed to the magneto-Coulomb effect.