Energy efficient LEDs and lasers with Chalcogenide monolayers

<sub>2</sub> (orange) on top of MoS<sub>2</sub> (blue). The SPEEM-microscopy reveals coupling between both layers and charge transfer.

2 (orange) on top of MoS2 (blue). The SPEEM-microscopy reveals coupling between both layers and charge transfer. © F. Kronast/HZB

As reported by nanotechweb.org, monolayers of certain chalcogenides might be used to make energy-efficient nano-optoelectronics devices, such as LEDs, lasers, solar cells, and high-electron-mobility transistors. Scientists of the University of California at Berkeley, the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie in Berlin investigated the electronic and optoelectronic properties of a so called heterojunction of WSe2/MoS2.

“At BESSY II we performed local x-ray photoemission spectroscopy at the SPEEM microscope and could observe interlayer coupling and charge transfer in this new type of heterojunction”, Dr. Florian Kronast, HZB, explains. This makes these types of heterojunctions interesting candidates for new devices.

To the article in nanotechweb

The present work is detailed in PNAS doi: 10.1073/pnas.1405435111.

arö

  • Copy link

You might also be interested in

  • Synchrotron radiation sources: toolboxes for quantum technologies
    Science Highlight
    01.12.2025
    Synchrotron radiation sources: toolboxes for quantum technologies
    Synchrotron radiation sources generate highly brilliant light pulses, ranging from infrared to hard X-rays, which can be used to gain deep insights into complex materials. An international team has now published an overview on synchrotron methods for the further development of quantum materials and technologies in the journal Advanced Functional Materials: Using concrete examples, they show how these unique tools can help to unlock the potential of quantum technologies such as quantum computing, overcome production barriers and pave the way for future breakthroughs.
  • Peat as a sustainable precursor for fuel cell catalyst materials
    Science Highlight
    25.11.2025
    Peat as a sustainable precursor for fuel cell catalyst materials
    Iron-nitrogen-carbon catalysts have the potential to replace the more expensive platinum catalysts currently used in fuel cells. This is shown by a study conducted by researchers from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) and universities in Tartu and Tallinn, Estonia. At BESSY II, the team observed the formation of complex microstructures within various samples. They then analysed which structural parameters were particularly important for fostering the preferred electrochemical reactions. The raw material for such catalysts is well decomposed peat.
  • Helmholtz Investigator Group on magnons
    News
    24.11.2025
    Helmholtz Investigator Group on magnons
    Dr Hebatalla Elnaggar is setting up a new Helmholtz Investigator Group at HZB. At BESSY II, the materials scientist will investigate so-called magnons in magnetic perovskite thin films. The aim is to lay the foundations for future terahertz magnon technology: magnonic devices operating in the terahertz range could process data using a fraction of the energy required by the most advanced semiconductor devices, and at speeds up to a thousand times faster.