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

非技术摘要：二维(2D)铁电材料是由2D晶格组成的材料，它具有自发电极化，可以通过外加电场来逆转。利用2D铁电材料在电子应用中的潜力可能会导致在能效和通用性方面超过当前技术的存储器和逻辑器件的发展。该项目旨在识别新的2D铁电材料，了解如何控制和操纵它们的性能，并探索它们的极化对电导率的影响。除了研究目标外，该项目还将重点放在教育和外联方面。该项目涉及本科生和研究生，同时也为K-12学生和教师提供了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。通过让学生接触尖端的量子信息科学与工程(QISE)研究，这个项目为未来各种合作的QISE活动奠定了基础。技术摘要：最近制造和表征技术的进步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范德华材料中铁电有序的起源，并探索其偏振耦合输运性质。本研究的主要目的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，并探索这些材料的极化耦合输运性质的物理机制。该研究采用了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，以及用于结构表征的显微和光谱技术，以及用于探测材料的极性和导电行为的纳米级电学测试。这些技术提供了有关2D van der Waals结构中铁电序的存在和性质的重要数据。理论建模包括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。这种模型指导了新的二维铁电材料的识别和表征及其潜在的应用。这项研究的结果对基础科学和技术进步都具有重要意义，特别是在开发用于非易失性存储器和逻辑器件的多功能可扩展结构方面。通过揭示2D铁电材料的独特性质，该项目有助于探索未来电子设备的新材料。该项目由多学科活动办公室(MPS/OMA)、既定的激励竞争研究计划(EPSCoR)和技术前沿计划(TIP/TF)联合资助。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势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.