Project Grant 2145022

This five-year, $597,821 National Science Foundation Project Grant supports research into phase control during the synthesis of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide materials using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. Funded through the NSF Engineering Directorate's $47.041 million program, the grantee will develop real-time optical diagnostics to characterize and track the evolution of individual material phases during non-equilibrium growth conditions. Manipulating carrier populations and surface kinetics through steady-state light illumination may enable selective production of desired phases for integration into reconfigurable electronic devices with lower energy and voltage requirements. The grantee, University of California, Berkeley, will also provide educational opportunities and outreach to diversify the advanced materials manufacturing workforce.