NREL MBEs to Grow 2D Materials, Intermetallic Compounds, and Semiconductors

February 3rd, 2021

The Materials Physics research group at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) develops semiconductors for energy-relevant applications, including photovoltaics and solid-state lighting. The group uses two connected EVO-25 MBE systems from Scienta Omicron. The System platforms are suitable for a large range of MBE applications such as the growth of 2D materials, intermetallic compounds, oxide heterostructures or semiconductors.

The Materials Physics research group at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) develops semiconductors for energy-relevant applications, including photovoltaics and solid-state lighting. In particular, they are interested in addressing two challenges related to the development of electronic materials with properties that are tailored to meet specific device needs: controlling the incorporation of impurities and defects and integrating dissimilar materials across heterovalent interfaces. To this end, they are exploring the use of photons to manipulate growth processes and the resulting material properties. 

This group uses two connected EVO-25 systems from Scienta Omicron. The EVO-25 MBEs are deposition tools for exploratory materials research under UHV conditions on substrates up to 2 inches in diameter. They are flexible system platforms suitable for a large range of MBE applications such as the growth of 2D materials, intermetallic compounds, oxide heterostructures or semiconductors. They have superior evaporation control software and offer multiple ports for in-situ characterization. 

NREL is a national laboratory of the United States Department of Energy. Their mission is to develop renewable and sustainable energy technologies through science. 

This image is of Dr. Kirstin Alberi, Senior Scientist at NREL. Her research interests include the development of phosphide-based alloys for high-efficiency lighting, the physics of dilute nitride and bismide III-V alloys, and the exploration of topological semimetals. We are very pleased that our products are enabling important research, that is working to address important global challenges.