THz electrodynamics and devices based on 2D correlated topological semimetals
Abstract
The THz band of the electromagnetic spectrum holds tremendous potential for applications in imaging, spectroscopy, sensing, computing, and communications, because THz frequency (0.1-10 THz) resonates with key low-energy information carriers (e.g., coherent phonon, magnon) in quantum materials, molecular vibrations in biological matters (e.g., skin tumor tissues, blood cells), and is designed as the essential carrier waveform for the next generation wireless communication technology. However, the absence of sensitive, broadband, and fast on-chip THz detection has impeded the widespread application of these technologies. The currently available terahertz receivers tend to be bulky and have a slow response, or otherwise show limited detection bandwidth and poor sensitivity. To bypassthese challenges, a central research focus is to develop strong THz light-matter interaction mechanisms and pioneer new material platforms.This research program aims to investigate the novel quantum geometrical property and its associated THz light-matter interactions in emergent 2D correlated topological semimetals including charge density wave systems and Moiré superlattices. Recent advancein 2D electronic materials and their twisted structures unravel diverging quantum geometry and strong electron correlation stemmingfrom their enhanced quasiparticle interactions and unique band structures. These features can be exploited to substantially enhancelight-matter interaction for THz rectification based on a newly proposed coupling mechanism. Moreover, their nearly gapless electronic structures and high carrier mobility are appealing for ultrabroad and ultrafast THz detection. This study will focus on characterizing, modeling, and understanding the fundamental interplay among THz electrodynamics and electron correlation. The project will also unravel the underlying mechanisms and quantify the contributions of various external stimuli on the THz rectification process. The proposed study will be enabled by the PI#s high-quality 2D material fabrication platform and unique multimodal characterization system, which integrates THz excitation, quantum transport, in-situ electrical control and advanced optical microscopies. Building upon these capabilities, the team will simultaneously probe, engineer, and understand THz rectification response, correlated carrier transport and dynamics in target 2D correlated semimetals. The outcome of the proposed research is expected to (1) establish new fundamental insights into quantum orders of ultrathin correlated materials and their coupling with THz electrodynamics; (2) develop new approaches to engineer topological and correlated electronic properties to tailor THz-to-DC rectification; (3) demonstrate novel compact high-performance THz photodetectors that combine desired metrics not achievable in current technologies, filling a gap in terahertz technology; (4) pave the way for using 2D layered quantum materials in high-speed information multiplexing, intelligent THz imaging and spectroscopy applications.The proposed research is well aligned with the traditional naval mission and future capability needs in spectrum dominance and information dominance for command & control, computing, communication, and sensing. This abstract is Approved for Public Release.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 15, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142412068
Entities
People
- Jun Xiao
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Wisconsin System