Twistronics (moiré)

Moiré typically refers to the visual of a pattern overlaid on top of another pattern that is similar, but not exactly the same.

Moiré patterns are a type of interference pattern and, like the golden ratio, originate in mathematics and physics.

Feather image (below) courtesy of fir0002 flagstaffotos@gmail.com

Moiré pattern on a parrot's feathers
Moiré patterns became an issue once digital photography was invented. Moiré is rarely seen in nature, but is visible in this photo of the fine detail of a parrot's feathers.
The moiré effect in X-rays has been successfully used to help us see blood vessels and tissue. Moiré phase-imaging with X-rays was found to be better than conventional contrast radiography.
The Moiré effect in X-rays helps us to see blood vessels and tissue. Moiré phase-imaging with X-rays is better than conventional contrast radiography.
Bees on a honeycomb

Nature’s engineers

From birth, honey bees know how to build perfect patterns, and construct their hives as a hexagonal lattice of holes which start as cylinders. It is thought that the ‘construction behaviour’ of bees results in the hexagonal arrangement - which is a stroke of lucky as it's the most efficient use of space! This hexagonal lattice is similar to what we see in graphene - defined as a single atomic layer created from graphite. Graphene was one of the first two dimensional (2D) materials reported and was awarded a Nobel Prize in 2010.

How can the moiré effect be used?

Future applications of the moiré effect include:

  • Magnetic memory vices
  • Artificial intelligence building blocks
  • Non-invasive medical diagnosis
  • Solar and thermal energy
  • Energy storage
  • Perfect optical surfaces

Related research at Loughborough

There are a variety of research areas that benefit from greater understanding or use of moiré effects.

Photograph of Fasil Dejene

How can we create quantum devices with 2D materials?

Dr Fasil Dejene creates van der Waals heterostructure devices to study quantum properties that may emerge as a result of careful stacking of 2D materials.
Photograph of Mark Greenaway

How can we build designer devices from atomically thin 2D materials?

Dr Mark Greenaway models and predicts the changes in the electronic properties that occur when different 2D materials are stacked on top of one another.
Photograph of Anna Kusmartseva

How can stretching or compressing a 2D material help us to reduce or harness energy?

Dr Anna Kusmartseva explores the effect that deformation and disorder have on 2D materials for a variety of Energy related applications.