Advanced Measurement Techniques
We have been constantly developing new and powerful measurement techniques for studying previously unexplored aspects in nanoscale device structures, with a focus on their mechanical degree of freedom and its coupling to other domains of device response (electrical, optical, thermal, optoelectronic, thermoelectric, etc.), for revealing new energy transduction schemes and coupling effects in this atomic structures.
Physical Processes and Material Properties under High Pressure
One effective way of mechanically modulate the material properties is through applying pressure. Using diamond anvil cell (DAC), pressure as high as 100s of GPa can be created in a small volume in which the sample is placed, whose response can be measured by a number of means such as optical spectroscopy and electrical transport. The application of pressures can lead to many unique physical processes such as phase transition and superconductivity, opening a plethora of new opportunities for material and device research.
Low Dimensional Physical Processes
The reduce dimension and the minuscule scale of nanostructures offer exquisite platforms for studying novel physical processes such as surface adsorption processes and phase transitions in reduced dimensions, as well as the interaction between nanoscale structures and their surrounding environment. We have been studying nanodevice physics for both improved understanding of fundamental principles and enabling future device applications, such as novel nanoscale sensors and signal processors. Individual signal processing and energy transduction devices are the fundamental building blocks of circuits and systems. In both "More Moore" and "More than Moore" paradigms, disruptive device technology is at the forefront of research.
Resonant Nanoscale Devices and Systems
Truly nanoscale devices hold the promise of building ultra-low power systems with powerful performance. We have been developing one- and two- dimensional (1D & 2D) nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) and nanoelectronic devices. These devices, with their unique structure, couple the mechanical degree of freedom in the nanomaterials with other physical properties, and offer intriguing device functions for enabling novel sensing, actuation, and signal processing applications.
Here is a video introduction of the research thrust (in Chinese).