Electrostatic Moiré Superlattice Spacing Adjustment in 2-D Heterostructures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for manufacturing 2-D materials with heterostructures are inefficient and costly, as they require precise angle adjustments during manufacturing, which is difficult to achieve and results in low yield.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that includes a heterostructure 2-D material with a rotating electrode system, allowing for precise adjustment of the spacing between Moiré superlattices after the materials have been manufactured, by applying electrostatic attraction to rotate the second insulator and 2-D material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If angle adjustment is performed during manufacturing, then desired spacing between Moiré superlattices can be achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase significantly and yield decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespacing between Moiré superlatticesVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency and yield

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the angle adjustment dynamic by introducing a rotating electrode that can change the relative angle between 2-D materials after manufacturing. The electrode rotates to adjust the spacing between Moiré superlattices, transforming a static manufacturing parameter into a dynamic post-manufacturing adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the 2-D material heterostructure into distinct layers (first 2-D material, second 2-D material) with an electrode system that can independently rotate one layer relative to the other. This segmentation allows selective adjustment of the angle between layers without affecting the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If precise angle adjustment is performed during manufacturing, then desired spacing between Moiré superlattices can be achieved, but the process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle between 2-D materialsVSAvoidconvenience of angle adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical angle adjustment during manufacturing with an electrostatic rotation system. Voltage applied to the electrode generates electrostatic attraction that automatically rotates the second 2-D material to the desired angle, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical angle positioning to electrical voltage control. By adjusting the voltage applied to the electrode, the angle between 2-D materials can be precisely controlled through electrostatic attraction, making the process more convenient and programmable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If angle adjustment is performed after manufacturing, then flexibility and yield are improved, but a mechanism for post-manufacturing adjustment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepost-manufacturing adjustment capabilityVSAvoidstructure of adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electrode as an intermediary element between the two 2-D materials. This electrode mediates the angle adjustment by generating electrostatic attraction to rotate the second 2-D material, providing a simple and elegant solution for post-manufacturing adjustment without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables easy and precise adjustment of the spacing between Moiré superlattices of 2-D materials, even after manufacturing, thereby improving the efficiency and yield of 2-D material production.

Implementation Method 1

an electrode configured to come into contact with the other surface of the second insulator and rotated by electrostatic attraction from the outside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS20250072073A1Apparatus for adjusting spacing between moire superlattices of two-dimensional materials

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY COOPERATION GROUP OF KYUNG HEE UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Disclosed is an apparatus for adjusting spacing between Moiré superlattices of two-dimensional (2-D) materials. A heterostructure 2-D material includes a first insulator, a first 2-D material having one surface coming into contact with the first insulator, a second 2-D material having one surface coming into contact with the first 2-D material and forming a van der Waals layered bond, a second insulator having one surface coming into contact with the second 2-D material, and an electrode configured to come into contact with the other surface of the second insulator and rotated by electrostatic attraction from the outside.