This thesis introduces a unique approach of applying atomic force microscopy to study the nanoelectromechanical properties of 2D materials, providing high-resolution computer-generated imagery (CGI) and diagrams to aid readers’ understanding and visualization. The isolation of graphene and, shortly after, a host of other 2D materials has attracted a great deal of interest in the scientific community for both their range of extremely desirable and their record-breaking properties. Amongst these properties are some of the highest elastic moduli and tensile strengths ever observed in nature. The work, which was undertaken at Lancaster University’s Physics department in conjunction with the University of Manchester and the National Physical Laboratory, offers a new approach to understanding the nanomechanical and nanoelectromechanical properties of 2D materials by utilising the nanoscale and nanosecond resolution of ultrasonic force and heterodyne force microscopy (UFM and HFM) – both contact mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. Using this approach and developing several other new techniques the authors succeeded in probing samples’ subsurface and mechanical properties, which would otherwise remain hidden. Lastly, by using a new technique, coined electrostatic heterodyne force microscopy (E-HFM), the authors were able to observe nanoscale electromechanical vibrations with a nanometre and nanosecond resolution, in addition to probing the local electrostatic environment of devices fabricated from 2D materials.

Micro/nano-mechanical systems are a crucial part of the modern world providing a plethora of sensing and actuation functionalities used in everything from the largest cargo ships to the smallest hand-held electronics; from the most advanced scientific and medical equipment to the simplest household items. Over the past few decades, the processes used to produce these devices have improved, supporting dramatic reductions in size, but there are fundamental limits to this trend that require a new production paradigm. The 2004 discovery of graphene ushered in a new era of condensed matter physics research, that of two-dimensional materials. Being only a few atomic layers thick, this new class of materials exhibit unprecedented mechanical strength and flexibility and can couple to electric, magnetic and optical signals. Additionally, they can be combined to form van der Waals heterostructures in an almost limitless number of ways. They are thus ideal candidates to reduce the size and extend the capabilities of traditional micro/nano-mechanical systems and are poised to redefine the technological sphere. This thesis attempts to develop the framework and protocols required to produce and characterise micro/nano-mechanical devices made from two-dimensional materials. Graphene and its insulating analogue, hexagonal boron nitride, are the most widely studied materials and their heterostructures are used as the test-bed for potential device architectures and capabilities. Interlayer friction, electro-mechanical actuation and surface reconstruction are some of the key phenomena investigated in this work.

This book is dedicated to the new two-dimensional one-atomic-layer-thick materials such as graphene, metallic chalcogenides, silicene and other 2D materials. The book describes their main physical properties and applications in nanoelctronics, photonics, sensing and computing. A large part of the book deals with graphene and its amazing physical properties. Another important part of the book deals with semiconductor monolayers such as MoS2 with impressive applications in photonics, and electronics. Silicene and germanene are the atom-thick counterparts of silicon and germanium with impressive applications in electronics and photonics which are still unexplored. Consideration of two-dimensional electron gas devices conclude the treatment. The physics of 2DEG is explained in detail and the applications in THz and IR region are discussed. Both authors are working currently on these 2D materials developing theory and applications.

Combining the materials science, technological, and device aspects of organic bioelectronics based on green materials, this is the first overview of the emerging concepts involving fabrication techniques for sustainable electronics with low energy and material consumption. With contributions from top-notch editors and authors, in one focus, the book covers a collection of natural materials suited for electronics applications such as paper, silk, melanin, DNA and nucleobases, resins, gums, saccharides, cellulose, gelatine and peptides. In another thrust, the book focuses on device fabrication based on these materials, including processing aspects, and applications such as sensors, signal transducers, transient, implantable and digestible electronics. With its interdisciplinary approach this text will appeal to the chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering communities.

Of value to the general scientific public, this is the first book in the world scientific literature devoted to the Casimir effect. This topic has important applications in the fields of elementary particle physics, statistical physics, quantum field theory, gravitation and cosmology.

This textbook provides a clear and authoritative guide to the principles and practice of the utilization of enzymes in biotechnology. Enzymes have increasingly important applications in the food and pharmaceutical industry, in medicine, and as biosensors.

This book presents the latest results of quantum properties of light in the nanostructured environment supporting surface plasmons, including waveguide quantum electrodynamics, quantum emitters, strong-coupling phenomena and lasing in plasmonic structures. Different approaches are described for controlling the emission and propagation of light with extreme light confinement and field enhancement provided by surface plasmons. Recent progress is reviewed in both experimental and theoretical investigations within quantum plasmonics, elucidating the fundamental physical phenomena involved and discussing the realization of quantum-controlled devices, including single-photon sources, transistors and ultra-compact circuitry at the nanoscale.