Momentum Resolved Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are a family of materials that are host to many quantum phenomena which could potentially be used to build the next generation of high-speed, energy-efficient electronic devices. These materials are comprised of atomically thin sheets stacked on top of each other, with the interactions between sheets playing a critical role in determining the physical properties that are exhibited. By controlling how sheets are stacked and introducing new atoms between sheets, it is possible to fine tune the properties of TMDs for specific use cases. The focus of this research project is to investigate the effects of stacking on the electronic properties of tantalum diselenide (a common TMD). This will be accomplished by using momentum-resolved electron-energy-loss spectroscopy in a transmission electron microscope. In this technique a beam of high energy electrons is used to excite different electronic processes inside a specimen, with the electrons losing some of their energy in the process. Passing these electrons through different filters then makes it possible to map out the energy-momentum relationship of the processes in question. Ultimately, this project will provide new data to the field of TMD research.

Faculty Supervisor:

Marek Malac

Student:

Partner:

Osaka University

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Alberta

Program: