Researchers at the University of Texas - Austin have discovered a new method to separate valley index using a designed metasurface. Excitons that carry different valley index are routed toward different directions in real space and momentum space, and photons emitted go to different directions according to their helicity.

Roughness insensitive boundary magnetization is a new concept discovered by Nebraska MRSEC researchers. It is a unique feature of magnetoelectric antiferromagnets, i.e. materials in which the application of electric field induces a net magnetic moment. An important property of the boundary magnetization is that it can be switched between two states by applying an electrical voltage.

CCMR researchers have used mathematical methods, typically used in business forecasting, to suggest which combination of components will make the best solar cell materials in a “perovskite” arrangement. These materials are made in solution, essentially in a beaker, at room temperature. This makes them far more energy-conservative than traditional silicon solar cells. But researchers are spoiled for choice in terms of components that could be put into the “soup;” too many to make in the lab.

As new methods are established to synthesize atomically-thin quantum materials, it becomes necessary to develop a technique to take those materials and assemble them into complex structures.

Atomically-precise fabrication methods are critical for the development of next-generation technologies which rely on nanomaterials. New methods are particularly needed in van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures where it is necessary to individually address each molecular layer to form devices with nanometer thicknesses. The Illinois MRSEC has demonstrated a highly selective etching technique using graphene as a monolayer etch stop within vdW heterostructures. This technique is a versatile and simple nanofabrication process that bridges the challenging technological divide between atomic-precision and wafer scale uniformity.

Preparing students for careers inside and outside academia is a key mission for the Wisconsin MRSEC and its Advanced Materials Industrial Consortium (AMIC). AMIC sponsors student-led seed research projects to help students learn essential skills. AMIC companies suggest project areas, then company engineers work with MRSEC students to develop research proposals that leverage the student’s expertise.

Amorphous oxide semiconductors commonly are indium oxides doped with other metal ions. Although it is known that the introduction of secondary metal ions decreases the degree of crystallinity and elevates the crystallization temperature, there is a lack of systematic study to compare and quantify the effects of different dopant elements. In an interdisciplinary study within IRG-2 of the Northwestern University MRSEC, in situ synchrotron X-ray characterization was performed to characterize the isochronal crystallization process of oxide thin films synthesized by pulsed laser deposition.

The Wisconsin MRSEC has developed research-inspired educational digital games that are each being played over 1900 times/week. Atom Touch teaches students about atom behavior, bonding, and forces. Crystal Cave lets students explore how molecules form repeating patterns to grow into large crystals.  During development, local K-12 teachers provided input on how to make the games more engaging for student learning.

At the nanometer-scale, the surface area to volume ratio increases substantially compared to bulk materials. Consequently, methods for functionalizing and passivating surfaces can play a dominant role in determining the properties of nanomaterials. Of particular interest are self-assembled monolayers of organic molecules that have been widely used to control the electronic, optical, chemical, and frictional properties of nanomaterials in a range of applications.

The Center for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (CAMM) engaged hundreds of high school students through lab tours and discussions during the 2024-2025 school year. Over the summer, CAMM expanded its outreach to younger students in Knoxville, working with local community centers to host hands-on STEM workshops. Activities included tensile testing, materials games, and demonstrations with ferrofluids and shape memory alloys. This initiative not only educated local youth but also enhanced awareness of CAMM’s programs while providing valuable experience for student participants.