Maria Barra Ph.D. Thesis Defense: Micro and Nano Fabrication of Structures for Light-Matter Interaction

Who: Maria Barra, Pre-doctoral Researcher, Nanodevices

Place: CFM Auditorium

Date: Thursday, 21 September 2023, 12:00

Nanofabrication includes those processes and techniques used to create structures with features smaller than 100 nm, enabling precise design and manipulation of materials at the atomic and molecular level. Nanoscience and nanofabrication have made significant contributions to various industries, including electronics and materials science. A notable achievement has been the discovery and study of two-dimensional (2D) materials, which possess unique properties due to their weak atomic bonds and high surface-to-volume ratio. These materials offer flexibility, mechanical strength, high conductivity, and tunable optical properties. They have become a essential platform for investigating optical phenomena at the atomic scale. This thesis focuses on optimization of sample preparation using techniques available at CIC nanoGUNE. The research combines fabrication techniques with 2D materials, primarily in the field of nanooptics. Techniques like mechanical exfoliation, atomic force microscopy or Raman spectroscopy, are employed to obtain and characterize thin layers of materials, and the preparation of heterostructures. Sample fabrication involves lithographic techniques such as direct laser writing lithography and electron beam lithography, allowing versatile and adaptable designs. The potential of these techniques is demonstrated through the fabrication of samples on different substrates and exfoliated flakes.