The infinite possibilities of stacking different two-dimensional (2D) crystals in the so-called van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures, as well as structuring the surface of these exotic systems through advanced nanofabrication processes, allow for the design and creation of novel devices with customizable electronic, optical, and magnetic properties on demand.

Researchers from the LUMES unit possess cutting-edge expertise in both the fabrication of high-quality 2D crystals and vdW structures [e.g., Nature Communications 7, 11894 (2016), >400 citations], and in modifying the fundamental properties of these intriguing crystals through nanostructuring processes [e.g., Nature Nanotechnology 14, 340 (2019), >76 citations]. Additionally, this group is a pioneer in the use of such nanostructured 2D crystals to design innovative electro-optical devices and architectures [e.g., Nature Communications 7, 12894 (2016); NanoLetters 18, 4675 (2018)]. These systems operate at room temperature, making them potentially usable in emerging applications such as neuromorphic computing, optical communications, quantum technologies, or precision sensor realization.