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Shi-Jun Liang

Publications and source records attributed to Shi-Jun Liang.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Cascadable in-memory computing based on symmetric writing and read out

The building block of in-memory computing with spintronic devices is mainly based on the magnetic tunnel junction with perpendicular interfacial anisotropy (p-MTJ). The resulting asymmetric write and read-out operations impose challenges in downscaling and direct cascadability of p-MTJ devices. Here, we propose that a new symmetric write and read-out mechanism can be realized in perpendicular-anisotropy spin-orbit (PASO) quantum materials based on Fe3GeTe2 and WTe2. We demonstrate that field-free and deterministic reversal of the perpendicular magnetization can be achieved by employing unconventional charge to z-spin conversion. The resulting magnetic state can be readily probed with its intrinsic inverse process, i.e., z-spin to charge conversion. Using the PASO quantum material as a fundamental building block, we implement the functionally complete set of logic-in-memory operations and a more complex nonvolatile half-adder logic function. Our work highlights the potential of PASO quantum materials for the development of scalable energy-efficient and ultrafast spintronic computing.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Tunable quantum criticalities in an isospin extended Hubbard model simulator

Studying strong electron correlations has been an essential driving force for pushing the frontiers of condensed matter physics. In particular, in the vicinity of correlation-driven quantum phase transitions (QPTs), quantum critical fluctuations of multiple degrees of freedom facilitate exotic many-body states and quantum critical behaviors beyond Landau's framework. Recently, moiré heterostructures of van der Waals materials have been demonstrated as a highly tunable quantum platform for exploring fascinating strongly correlated quantum physics. Here, we report the observation of tunable quantum criticalities in an experimental simulator of extended Hubbard model with spin-valley isospins arising in chiral-stacked twisted double bilayer graphene. Scaling analysis shows a quantum two-stage criticality manifesting two distinct quantum critical points as the generalized Wigner crystal transits to a Fermi liquid by varying the displacement field, suggesting the emergence of a critical intermediate phase. The quantum two-stage criticality evolves into a quantum pseudo criticality as a high parallel magnetic field is applied. In such pseudo criticality, we find that the quantum critical scaling is only valid above a critical temperature, indicating a weak first-order QPT therein. Our results demonstrate a highly tunable solid-state simulator with intricate interplay of multiple degrees of freedom for exploring exotic quantum critical states and behaviors.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Cataloguing MoSi$_2$N$_4$ and WSi$_2$N$_4$ van der Waals Heterostructures: An Exceptional Material Platform for Excitonic Solar Cell Applications

Two-dimensional (2D) materials van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) provides a revolutionary route towards high-performance solar energy conversion devices beyond the conventional silicon-based pn junction solar cells. Despite tremendous research progress accomplished in recent years, the searches of vdWHs with exceptional excitonic solar cell conversion efficiency and optical properties remain an open theoretical and experimental quest. Here we show that the vdWH family composed of MoSi$_2$N$_4$ and WSi$_2$N$_4$ monolayers provides a compelling material platform for developing high-performance ultrathin excitonic solar cells and photonics devices. Using first-principle calculations, we construct and classify 51 types of MoSi$_2$N$_4$ and WSi$_2$N$_4$-based [(Mo,W)Si$_2$N$_4$] vdWHs composed of various metallic, semimetallic, semiconducting, insulating and topological 2D materials. Intriguingly, MoSi$_2$N$_4$/(InSe, WSe$_2$) are identified as Type-II vdWHs with exceptional excitonic solar cell power conversion efficiency reaching well over 20%, which are competitive to state-of-art silicon solar cells. The (Mo,W)Si$_2$N$_4$ vdWH family exhibits strong optical absorption in both the visible and ultraviolet regimes. Exceedingly large peak ultraviolet absorptions over 40%, approaching the maximum absorption limit of a free-standing 2D material, can be achieved in (Mo,W)Si$_2$N$_4$/$α_2$-(Mo,W)Ge$_2$P$_4$ vdWHs. Our findings unravel the enormous potential of (Mo,W)Si$_2$N$_4$ vdWHs in designing ultimately compact excitonic solar cell device technology.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Multiferroic van der Waals heterostructure FeCl$_2$/Sc$_2$CO$_2$: Nonvolatile electrically switchable electronic and spintronic properties

Multiferroic van der Waals (vdW) heterostrucutres offers an exciting route towards novel nanoelectronics and spintronics device technology. Here we investigate the electronic and transport properties of multiferroic vdW heterostructure composed of ferromagnetic FeCl$_2$ monolayer and ferroelectric Sc$_2$CO$_2$ monolayer using first-principles density functional theory and quantum transport simulations. We show that FeCl$_2$/Sc$_2$CO$_2$ heterostructure can be reversibly switched from semiconducting to half-metallic behavior by electrically modulating the ferroelectric polarization states of Sc$_2$CO$_2$. Intriguingly, the half-metallic phase exhibits a Type-III broken gap band alignment, which can be beneficial for tunnelling field-effect transistor application. We perform a quantum transport simulation, based on a \emph{proof-of-concept} two-terminal nanodevice, to demonstrate all-electric-controlled valving effects uniquely enabled by the nonvolatile ferroelectric switching of the heterostructure. These findings unravels the potential of FeCl$_2$/Sc$_2$CO$_2$ vdW heterostructures as a building block for designing a next generation of ultimately compact information processing, data storage and spintronics devices.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

2022 Roadmap on Neuromorphic Computing and Engineering

Modern computation based on the von Neumann architecture is today a mature cutting-edge science. In the Von Neumann architecture, processing and memory units are implemented as separate blocks interchanging data intensively and continuously. This data transfer is responsible for a large part of the power consumption. The next generation computer technology is expected to solve problems at the exascale with 1018 calculations each second. Even though these future computers will be incredibly powerful, if they are based on von Neumann type architectures, they will consume between 20 and 30 megawatts of power and will not have intrinsic physically built-in capabilities to learn or deal with complex data as our brain does. These needs can be addressed by neuromorphic computing systems which are inspired by the biological concepts of the human brain. This new generation of computers has the potential to be used for the storage and processing of large amounts of digital information with much lower power consumption than conventional processors. Among their potential future applications, an important niche is moving the control from data centers to edge devices. The aim of this Roadmap is to present a snapshot of the present state of neuromorphic technology and provide an opinion on the challenges and opportunities that the future holds in the major areas of neuromorphic technology, namely materials, devices, neuromorphic circuits, neuromorphic algorithms, applications, and ethics. The Roadmap is a collection of perspectives where leading researchers in the neuromorphic community provide their own view about the current state and the future challenges. We hope that this Roadmap will be a useful resource to readers outside this field, for those who are just entering the field, and for those who are well established in the neuromorphic community. https://doi.org/10.1088/2634-4386/ac4a83

cs.ET↗

Scalable massively parallel computing using continuous-time data representation in nanoscale crossbar array

The growth of connected intelligent devices in the Internet of Things has created a pressing need for real-time processing and understanding of large volumes of analogue data. The difficulty in boosting the computing speed renders digital computing unable to meet the demand for processing analogue information that is intrinsically continuous in magnitude and time. By utilizing a continuous data representation in a nanoscale crossbar array, parallel computing can be implemented for the direct processing of analogue information in real time. Here, we propose a scalable massively parallel computing scheme by exploiting a continuous-time data representation and frequency multiplexing in a nanoscale crossbar array. This computing scheme enables the parallel reading of stored data and the one-shot operation of matrix-matrix multiplications in the crossbar array. Furthermore, we achieve the one-shot recognition of 16 letter images based on two physically interconnected crossbar arrays and demonstrate that the processing and modulation of analogue information can be simultaneously performed in a memristive crossbar array.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Observation of Negative THz Photoconductivity in Large Area Type-II Dirac Semimetal PtTe2

As a newly emergent type-II Dirac semimetal, Platinum Telluride (PtTe2) stands out from other 2D noble-transition-metal dichalcogenides for the unique structure and novel physical properties, such as high carrier mobility, strong electron-phonon coupling and tunable bandgap, which make the PtTe2 a good candidate for applications in optoelectronics, valleytronics and far infrared detectors. Although the transport properties of PtTe2 have been studied extensively, the dynamics of the nonequilibrium carriers remain nearly uninvestigated. Herein we employ optical pump-terahertz (THz) probe spectroscopy (OPTP) to systematically study the photocarrier dynamics of PtTe2 thin films with varying pump fluence, temperature, and film thickness. Upon photoexcitation the THz photoconductivity (PC) of 5 nm PtTe2 film shows abrupt increase initially, while the THz PC changes into negative value in a subpicosecond time scale, followed by a prolonged recovery process that lasted hundreds of picoseconds (ps). This unusual THz PC response observed in the 5 nm PtTe2 film was found to be absent in a 2 nm PtTe2 film. We assign the unexpected negative THz PC as the small polaron formation due to the strong electron-Eg-mode phonon coupling, which is further substantiated by pump fluence- and temperature-dependent measurements as well as the Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, our investigations give a subpicosecond time scale of sequential carrier cooling and polaron formation. The present study provides deep insights into the underlying dynamics evolution mechanisms of photocarrier in type-II Dirac semimetal upon photoexcitation, which is fundamental importance for designing PtTe2-based optoelectronic devices.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Designing Efficient Metal Contacts to Two-Dimensional Semiconductors MoSi$_2$N$_4$ and WSi$_2$N$_4$ Monolayers

Metal contacts to two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors are ubiquitous in modern electronic and optoelectronic devices. Such contacts are, however, often plagued by strong Fermi level pinning (FLP) effect which reduces the tunability of the Schottky barrier height (SBH) and degrades the performance of 2D-semiconductor-based devices. In this work, we show that monolayer MoSi$_2$N$_4$ and WSi$_2$N$_4$ - a recently synthesized 2D material class with exceptional mechanical and electronic properties - exhibit strongly suppressed FLP and wide-range tunable SBH when contacted by metals. An exceptionally large SBH slope parameter of S=0.7 is obtained, which outperform the vast majority of other 2D semiconductors. Such surprising behavior arises from the unique morphology of MoSi$_2$N$_4$ and WSi$_2$N$_4$. The outlying Si-N layer forms a native atomic layer that protects the semiconducting inner-core from the perturbance of metal contacts, thus suppressing the FLP. Our findings reveal the potential of MoSi$_2$N$_4$ and WSi$_2$N$_4$ monolayers as a novel 2D material platform for designing high-performance and energy-efficient 2D nanodevices.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Gate-tunable van der Waals heterostructure for reconfigurable neural network vision sensor

Early processing of visual information takes place in the human retina. Mimicking neurobiological structures and functionalities of the retina provide a promising pathway to achieving vision sensor with highly efficient image processing. Here, we demonstrate a prototype vision sensor that operates via the gate-tunable positive and negative photoresponses of the van der Waals (vdW) vertical heterostructures. The sensor emulates not only the neurobiological functionalities of bipolar cells and photoreceptors but also the unique synaptic connectivity between bipolar cells and photoreceptors. By tuning gate voltage for each pixel, we achieve reconfigurable vision sensor for simultaneously image sensing and processing. Furthermore, our prototype vision sensor itself can be trained to classify the input images, via updating the gate voltages applied individually to each pixel in the sensor. Our work indicates that vdW vertical heterostructures offer a promising platform for the development of neural network vision sensor.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Edge-Epitaxial Growth of InSe Nanowires toward High-Performance Photodetectors

Semiconducting nanowires offer many opportunities for electronic and optoelectronic device applications due to their special geometries and unique physical properties. However, it has been challenging to synthesize semiconducting nanowires directly on SiO2/Si substrate due to lattice mismatch. Here, we developed a catalysis-free approach to achieve direct synthesis of long and straight InSe nanowires on SiO2/Si substrate through edge-homoepitaxial growth. We further achieved parallel InSe nanowires on SiO2/Si substrate through controlling growth conditions. We attributed the underlying growth mechanism to selenium self-driven vapor-liquid-solid process, which is distinct from conventional metal-catalytic vapor-liquid-solid method widely used for growing Si and III-V nanowires. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the as-grown InSe nanowire-based visible light photodetector simultaneously possesses an extraordinary photoresponsivity of 271 A/W, ultrahigh detectivity of 1.57*10^14 Jones and a fast response speed of microsecond scale. The excellent performance of the photodetector indicates that as-grown InSe nanowires are promising in future optoelectronic applications. More importantly, the proposed edge-homoepitaxial approach may open up a novel avenue for direct synthesis of semiconducting nanowire arrays on SiO2/Si substrate.

physics.app-ph↗

Van der Waals heterostructures for high-performance device applications: challenges and opportunities

Discovery of two-dimensional materials with unique electronic, superior optoelectronic or intrinsic magnetic order have triggered worldwide interests among the fields of material science, condensed matter physics and device physics. Vertically stacking of two-dimensional materials with distinct electronic and optical as well as magnetic properties enables to create a large variety of van der Waals heterostructures. The diverse properties of the vertical heterostructures open up unprecedented opportunities for various kinds of device applications, e.g. vertical field effect transistors, ultrasensitive infrared photodetectors, spin-filtering devices and so on, which are inaccessible in the conventional material heterostructures. Here, we review the current status of vertical heterostructures device applications in vertical transistors, infrared photodetectors and spintronic memory/transistors. The relevant challenges for achieving high-performance devices are presented. We also provide outlook on future development of vertical heterostructure devices with integrated electronic and optoelectronic as well as spintronic functinalities.

physics.app-ph↗

Two-dimensional layered materials for memristive and neuromorphic applications

With many fantastic properties, memristive devices have been proposed as top candidate for next-generation memory and neuromorphic computing chips. Significant research progresses have been made in improving performance of individual memristive devices and in demonstrating functional applications based on small-scale memristive crossbar arrays. However, practical deployment of large-scale traditional metal oxides based memristive crossbar array has been challenging due to several issues, such as high-power consumption, poor device reliability, low integration density and so on. To solve these issues, new materials that possess superior properties are required. Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials exhibit many unique physical properties and show great promise in solving these challenges, further providing new opportunities to implement practical applications in neuromorphic computing. Here, recent research progress on 2D layered materials based memristive device applications is reviewed. We provide an overview of the progresses and challenges on how 2D layered materials are used to solve the issues of conventional memristive devices and to realize more complex functionalities in neuromorphic computing. Besides, we also provide an outlook on exploitation of unique properties of 2D layered materials and van der Waals heterostructures for developing new types of memristive devices and artificial neural mircrocircuits.

physics.app-ph↗

Local electric field induced spin photocurrent in ReS2

Circular polarized photocurrent is observed near the electrodes on a few-layer ReS2sample at room temperature. For both electrodes, the spatial distribution of the circular polarized photocurrent shows a feature of two wings, with one positive and the other negative. We suggest that this phenomenon arises from the inverse spin Hall effect due to local electric field near the electrode. Bias voltage that modulates this field further controls the sign and magnitude of the inverse spin Hall effect photocurrent. Our research shows that electric field near electrodes has a significant impact on spin transmission operation, hence it could be taken into account for manufacturing spintronic devices in future.

physics.app-ph↗

Direct evidence for charge compensation induced large magnetoresistance in thin WTe2

Since the discovery of extremely large non-saturating magnetoresistance (MR) in WTe2, much effort has been devoted to understanding the underlying mechanism, which is still under debate. Here, we explicitly identify the dominant physical origin of the large non-saturating MR through in-situ tuning of the magneto-transport properties in thin WTe2 film. With an electrostatic doping approach, we observed a non-monotonic gate dependence of the MR. The MR reaches a maximum (10600%) in thin WTe2 film at certain gate voltage where electron and hole concentrations are balanced, indicating that the charge compensation is the dominant mechanism of the observed large MR. Besides, we show that the temperature dependent magnetoresistance exhibits similar tendency with the carrier mobility when the charge compensation is retained, revealing that distinct scattering mechanisms may be at play for the temperature dependence of magneto-transport properties. Our work would be helpful for understanding mechanism of the large MR in other nonmagnetic materials and offers an avenue for achieving large MR in the non-magnetic materials with electron-hole pockets.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

A new coupling mechanism between two graphene electron waveguides for ultrafast switching

We propose a novel ultrafast electronic switching device based on dual-graphene electron waveguides, in analogy to the optical dual-channel waveguide device. The design utilizes the principle of coherent quantum mechanical tunneling of Rabi oscillations between the two graphene electron waveguides. Based on a modified coupled mode theory, we construct a theoretical model to analyse the device characteristics, and predict that the swtiching speed is faster than 1 ps. Due to the long mean free path of electrons in graphene at room temperature, the proposed design avoids the limitation of low temperature operation required in the normal semiconductor quantum-well structure. The layout of the our design is similar to that of a standard CMOS transistor that should be readily fabricated with current state-of-art nanotechnology.

quant-ph↗

Pressure-Tunable Ambipolar Conduction and Hysteresis in Ultrathin Palladium Diselenide Field Effect Transistors

A few-layer palladium diselenide (PdSe2) field effect transistor is studied under external stimuli such as electrical and optical fields, electron irradiation and gas pressure. We observe ambipolar conduction and hysteresis in the transfer curves of the PdSe2 material unprotected and as-exfoliated. We tune the ambipolar conduction and its hysteretic behavior in the air and pure nitrogen environments. The prevailing p-type transport observed at room pressure is reversibly turned into dominant n-type conduction by reducing the pressure, which can simultaneously suppress the hysteresis. The pressure control can be exploited to symmetrize and stabilize the transfer characteristic of the device as required in high-performance logic circuits. The transistor is immune from short channel effects but is affected by trap states with characteristic times in the order of minutes. The channel conductance, dramatically reduced by the electron irradiation during scanning electron microscope imaging, is restored after several minutes anneal at room temperature. The work paves the way toward the exploitation of PdSe2 in electronic devices by providing an experiment-based and deeper understanding of charge transport in PdSe2 transistors subjected to electrical stress and other external agents.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

S-type Negative Differential Resistance in Semiconducting Transition-Metal Dichalcogenides

Current-controlled (also known as "S-type") negative differential resistance (NDR) is of crucial importance to many emerging applications including neuromorphic computing and high-density memristors integration. However, the experimental realization of S-type NDR based on conventional mechanisms poses demanding requirements on materials, which greatly limits their potential applications. Here, we experimentally identify that semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) can host a bipolar S-type NDR devices. Theoretical simulations indicate that the origin of the NDR in these devices arises from a thermal feedback mechanism. Furthermore, we demonstrate the potential applications of TMDs based S-type NDR device in signal processing and neuromorphic electronics.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Experimental identification of critical condition for drastically enhancing thermoelectric power factor of two-dimensional layered materials

Nano-structuring is an extremely promising path to high performance thermoelectrics. Favorable improvements in thermal conductivity are attainable in many material systems, and theoretical work points to large improvements in electronic properties. However, realization of the electronic benefits in practical materials has been elusive experimentally. A key challenge is that experimental identification of the quantum confinement length, below which the thermoelectric power factor is significantly enhanced, remains elusive due to lack of simultaneous control of size and carrier density. Here we investigate gate tunable and temperature-dependent thermoelectric transport in $γ$ phase indium selenide ($γ$ InSe, n type semiconductor) samples with thickness varying from 7 to 29 nm. This allows us to properly map out dimension and doping space. Combining theoretical and experimental studies, we reveal that the sharper pre-edge of the conduction-band density of states arising from quantum confinement gives rise to an enhancement of the Seebeck coefficient and the power factor in the thinner InSe samples. Most importantly, we experimentally identify the role of the competition between quantum confinement length and thermal de Broglie wavelength in the enhancement of power factor. Our results provide an important and general experimental guideline for optimizing the power factor and improving the thermoelectric performance of two-dimensional layered semiconductors.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗