Mon Sep 16 15:38:54 UTC 2024: ## Harvard Scientists Develop “Twisting Machine” for 2D Materials, Opening New Doors for Discovery

**Cambridge, MA** – Researchers at Harvard University have developed a revolutionary new device that could significantly accelerate advancements in the burgeoning field of “twistronics.” This innovative technology, dubbed MEGA2D, allows scientists to easily control the twisting of two-dimensional (2D) materials, which has been a major bottleneck in research.

The groundbreaking work, published in the prestigious journal Nature, stems from the discovery of “magic-angle graphene” in 2018. This discovery, led by then-MIT graduate student Yuan Cao, showed that stacking two layers of graphene at a specific angle could create a superconductor. The discovery sparked the field of twistronics, focused on exploring the unique properties of twisted 2D materials.

However, replicating this twisting process proved difficult and time-consuming. To overcome this hurdle, Harvard physicists Amir Yacoby, Eric Mazur, and their team, including Cao (now at UC Berkeley), developed MEGA2D – a micromachine that can precisely twist 2D materials like graphene and boron nitride.

“This development makes twisting as easy as controlling the electron density of 2D materials,” said Yacoby. “We can now control both density and twist angle, opening endless possibilities for discovery.”

The MEGA2D technology allows for quick and easy manipulation of these materials, enabling scientists to explore a wider range of applications, including the development of high-performance transistors, advanced optical devices, and quantum computers.

The researchers showcased the capabilities of their device by studying the optical properties of twisted boron nitride. They found evidence of quasiparticles with unique topological properties, hinting at the potential for new types of light sources for optical communication.

“We hope that our approach will be adopted by many other researchers in this prosperous field,” said Cao. “It will certainly bring other new discoveries along the way.”

This breakthrough in twistronics is a testament to the innovative spirit of Harvard researchers. Their ingenious solution to a key challenge could pave the way for exciting new discoveries in the realm of 2D materials and beyond.

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