DFG Research Unit FOR5242: "Proximity-induced correlation effects in low dimensional structures"

Inducing correlation effects in low dimensional electron gases by proximity coupling is a powerful concept for the design of new quantum materials with tailored electronic, magnetic and optical properties.

In this Research Unit the proximity effect of spin-orbit interaction, electronic correlations as well as local electric fields with 2D electron gas systems is investigated using the example of epitaxial graphene on SiC substrates. Epitaxial graphene resembles a truly 2D electron system and is known for its ability of manifold and flexible functionalization schemes at its vacuum and interface site, e.g. by charge transfer, polarization doping, encapsulation with high-Z materials as well as formation of reconstructions and superlattices. The controlled transition from linear to flat bands in EG as well as the coupling of functionalized graphene to 2D electron gases at the interface will open the corridor for tailoring electronic correlation effects and mesoscopic phenomena in 2D materials, e.g. superconductivity, spin and charge density waves, Mott states, new magnetic phases as well as QHE and Klein tunneling.

Within this Research Unit, all relevant fields of growth, atomic structure, electronic structure and transport as well as the theoretical modeling of the interfaces and atomistic processes are covered by the expertise of the PIs within this consortium.