MATCHA - Magnetic and charge order in 2D quantum materials

Two-dimensional (2D) quantum materials are extremely thin materials consisting of just one or a few atomic layers. Examples include graphene (a monolayer of carbon atoms), transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g. MoS₂) and certain cuprates and nickelates (e.g. NdNiO₂). Their physical properties, such as electrical conductivity, magnetism or optical absorption, are determined by quantum mechanical interactions between their elementary constituents, the electrons and ions. 2D quantum materials are regarded as promising candidates for a new generation of semiconductors and sensors. Potential applications range from flexible displays and ultra-thin wearables to optical switches and thin-film solar cells, right through to high-precision sensors. Particularly attractive is the possibility of specifically modifying properties by stacking different layers on top of one another and slightly twisting them (e.g. ‘twisted bilayer graphene’). In addition to these technologically relevant properties, some 2D quantum materials also exhibit a variety of exotic phases, such as quantum spin liquids or specific topological phenomena.