The challenge
Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) is a 2D semiconducting material with properties that could pave the way for the next generation of electronics and optoelectronics devices. However, assessing the quality of the material was originally only possible using destructive techniques.
The solution
Oxford Instruments sought to develop a new deposition system and process that could produce MoS2 in a more industrially scalable manner, which would help bring it to market for commercial applications. The company's researchers needed a suitable quality control approach, and turned to research conducted by us as a world leader in the characterisation and advanced measurement of 2D materials.
The impact
Our work on MoS2 provided Oxford Instruments with the methodology it needed to develop its own quality control process, which characterises the 2D MoS2 layers in a non-destructive way. This enables the team to efficiently characterise the MoS2 produced via an industrially-scalable technology; and will help to accelerate the commercialisation of MoS2, which shows promise in scaling down traditional electronics and sensors, and for optical applications such as photovoltaics and light emission.