ExpandQISE: Track 1: Ferroelectric Ordering and Polarization-Coupled Transport Properties in 2D Van der Waals Materials

摘要：二维（2D）铁电体是由具有自发电极化的二维晶格组成的材料，这种材料可以通过外加电场的作用而逆转。利用二维铁电材料在电子应用中的潜力，可能会导致存储器和逻辑器件的发展，在能源效率和多功能性方面超越当前的技术。本项目旨在识别新的二维铁电材料，了解如何控制和操纵其性能，并探索其极化对电导率的影响。除了研究目标之外，该项目还非常注重教育和推广。该项目涉及本科生和研究生，同时也为K-12学生和教师提供学习纳米技术的机会。该项目更广泛的目标是激励和教育下一代科学家和工程师。通过让学生接触最前沿的量子信息科学与工程（QISE）研究，该项目为未来各种量子信息科学与工程合作活动奠定了基础。技术摘要：制备和表征技术的最新进展揭示了在降维结构中铁电行为的潜力。本项目旨在了解二维（2D）范德华材料中铁电有序的起源，并探索其极化耦合输运性质。本研究的主要目标是发现新的二维铁电材料，了解电和化学边界条件在铁电有序出现中的作用，并探索这些材料极化耦合输运性质的物理机制。本研究采用实验技术和理论建模相结合的方法。实验方法包括先进的输运测量，以及用于结构表征和纳米级电测试的微观和光谱技术，以探测材料的极性和导电行为。这些技术为二维范德华结构中铁电有序的存在和性质提供了必要的数据。理论建模涉及第一性原理计算和基于对称性的考虑，以深入了解铁电有序及其与电子输运性质耦合的物理机制。该模型指导了新的二维铁电材料及其潜在应用的识别和表征。这项研究的结果对基础科学和技术进步具有重要意义，特别是在非易失性存储器和逻辑器件的多功能可扩展结构的发展方面。通过揭示二维铁电材料的独特性质，该项目有助于探索未来电子器件的新材料。该项目由多学科活动办公室（MPS/OMA）、促进竞争研究的既定计划（EPSCoR）和技术前沿计划（TIP/TF）共同资助。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Non-technical Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectrics are materials composed of 2D crystal lattices with a spontaneous electric polarization that can be reversed by the application of an external electric field. Harnessing the potential of 2D ferroelectric materials for electronic applications may lead to the development of memory and logic devices that surpass current technologies in energy efficiency and versatility. This project aims to identify new 2D ferroelectric materials, understand how to control and manipulate their properties, and explore the impact of their polarization on electrical conductivity. In addition to the research goals, the project also has a strong focus on education and outreach. The project involves both undergraduate and graduate students, while also providing opportunities for K-12 students and teachers to learn about nanotechnology. The broader aim of the project is to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists and engineers. By exposing students to cutting-edge Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) research, this project establishes a foundation for a variety of collaborative QISE activities in the future.Technical Abstract: Recent advancements in fabrication and characterization techniques have unveiled the potential for ferroelectric behavior in structures with reduced dimensionality. This project aims to understand the origin of ferroelectric ordering in two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals materials and explore their polarization-coupled transport properties. The primary objectives of this research are to discover new 2D ferroelectric materials, understand the role of electrical and chemical boundary conditions in the emergence of ferroelectric ordering, and explore the physical mechanisms responsible for the polarization-coupled transport properties of these materials. The research employs a combination of experimental techniques and theoretical modeling. Experimental methods include advanced transport measurements as well as microscopic and spectroscopic techniques for structural characterization and nanoscale electrical testing to probe the polar and conducting behavior of the materials. These techniques provide essential data on the existence and nature of ferroelectric ordering in 2D van der Waals structures. Theoretical modeling involves first-principle calculations and symmetry-based considerations to gain insights into the physical mechanisms underlying the ferroelectric ordering and its coupling with electronic transport properties. This modeling guides the identification and characterization of new 2D ferroelectric materials and their potential applications. The outcomes of this research hold significant implications for both fundamental science and technological advancements, particularly in the development of multifunctional scalable structures for non-volatile memory and logic devices. By shedding light on the unique properties of 2D ferroelectric materials, this project contributes to the exploration of novel materials for future electronic devices.This project is jointly funded by The Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (MPS/OMA), the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), and Technology Frontiers Program (TIP/TF).This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.