2024 Faculty Courses School of Science Department of Physics Graduate major in Physics
Physics of Two-Dimensional Materials
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Physics
- Instructor(s)
- Jiang Pu
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Mon
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- PHY.C445
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2024
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 14, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
In this lecture, we briefly review surface physics and introduce the recent developments of 2D materials. In addition, we introduce the latest research on 2D materials and their device applications. First, we explain how the atomic structure on a solid surface is described and how it is measured in experiments using scattering and diffraction of electrons. Next, we introduce the characteristics of graphene, a completely 2D material, from its discovery, and then learn about its characteristic electronic structure and physical properties. Furthermore, we explain various 2D materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides, including the latest research on heterostructures and moiré patterns. Finally, we introduce device applications using 2D materials.
The purpose of this lecture is to understand that distinct physical phenomena on solid surfaces, and to learn the physical properties and applications unique to emerging 2D materials.
Course description and aims
First, through various measurement techniques, we understand distinct physical phenomena at solid surfaces which is different from those in the bulk. Next, we understand the characteristics of graphene, a 2D material isolated as the limit of a solid surface. Finally, we understand the physical properties and device applications of various 2D materials developed from graphene, including the latest research topics.
Keywords
surface atomic structures, measurement methods, electron tunneling, work function, graphene, Dirac electron, transition metal dichalcogenide, valley polarization, heterostructure, moiré pattern, transistor, light-emitting device
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
In a regular didactic manner. Basic knowledge of solid state physics is favored but is also explained in the course.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction of surface physics and 2D materials | To understand general properties of surface of solids and 2D materials. |
| Class 2 | Various characterizations of surface properties | To understand various experimental characterizations of surface properties. |
| Class 3 | Discovery of perfect 2D material “Graphene” | To understand general properties of graphene. |
| Class 4 | Unique electronic structure/property of Graphene | To understand electronic structure and physical properties of graphene. |
| Class 5 | Emerging 2D materials beyond Graphene | To understand physical properties of diverse 2D materials. |
| Class 6 | Latest 2D researches ; Heterostructure and Moiré | To understand latest 2D researches in terms of heterostructure and Moiré pattern. |
| Class 7 | Device applications of 2D materials | To understand device applications of 2D materials. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Not specified.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
A. Zangwill, Physics at Surfaces, Cambridge Univ. Press
2D Materials Properties and Devices, Cambridge Univ. Press
Evaluation methods and criteria
By report submission.
Related courses
- PHY.Q207 ： Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
- PHY.S301 ： Statistical Mechanics
- PHY.C340 ： Basic Solid State Physics
Prerequisites
Not specified.
Other
Current syllabus is based on previous lecture "Surface Physics". Syllabus will be updated before the beginning of second semester.