SEED Grants

Abstract: The study of thermal transport at the nanoscale is of critical importance for the development of novel nanoelectronic devices and holds promise to unravel quantum phenomena that have no classical analogs. For instance, transport properties of atomic-scale systems – such as electrical conductance, shot noise, thermopower, and Joule heating – are entirely dominated by quantum effects, even at room temperature. Therefore, they drastically differ from those of macroscale devices. Unfortunately, the experimental study of thermal transport in these systems constitutes a formidable challenge and has remained elusive despite its fundamental interest. This project will use quantum sensors based on nitrogen vacancy in diamond to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms underlying photon and electron transport within the micro/nanoconfinements, particularly between nanostructured surfaces and 2D materials (e.g., hBN and WSe₂). For this aim, we will conduct rigorous characterizations at the atomic level and precision energy flux measurements at the nanoscale to unfold the governing physics of energy transfer at a quantum device level. This research can bring the scientific community closer to realizing technological breakthroughs in computation, sensing, energy, and other related fields. Moreover, the interdisciplinary nature of the proposed research provides excellent training for students and prepares them to join multiple high-tech sectors, to the public and economic benefits of Nebraska. This work also aligns with the Science and Technology Implementation plan of the Nebraska EPSCoR office by investing in human infrastructure to expand research capacity in emerging areas of quantum, energy science, and technology.