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Zhang Lab
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The lab explores new quantum properties by manipulating the symmetry of nanomaterials.
AboutAbout the lab
New physical properties from the symmetry of nanomaterials
The Zhang Lab experimentally studies the quantum properties of two-dimensional and one-dimensional nanomaterials and their artificial structures.
A defining feature of these materials is that symmetry-control techniques make it possible to fabricate structures with a variety of different symmetries.
The lab has built a custom measurement system that combines quantum transport measurements and microscopic spectroscopy at ultralow temperatures and high magnetic fields.
By investigating these materials systematically from multiple angles, the lab aims to open up new quantum phenomena and establish design principles for creating novel functionalities.
Key terms
- symmetry
- The regularity of a crystal's shape, in that it looks the same even after being rotated or flipped
- two-dimensional material
- A thin, sheet-like material only a few atoms thick, such as graphene
- quantum transport
- How electric current flows under conditions such as extremely low temperatures, where the wave nature of electrons becomes prominent
NewsLab news
Co-authored paper published in Physical Review B
Co-authored paper published in Science Advances
Co-authored paper published in Physical Review B
A paper from the lab published in ACS Nano
Associate Professor Yijin Zhang joined the Department of Physics, and the Zhang Lab was launched
ResearchResearch themes
The lab experimentally studies quantum properties and functionalities, focusing on symmetry and using nanomaterials as its stage. With a custom-built apparatus that enables quantum transport and spectroscopic measurements while performing microscopic observation at ultralow temperatures and high magnetic fields, the lab approaches the quantum properties of nanomaterials from a perspective different from conventional ones.
*Illustrative imageNonlinear optical response
The lab studies second harmonic generation and the bulk photovoltaic effect, which appear as responses to the alternating electric field of light. In quasi-one-dimensional systems made by rolling up two-dimensional materials and in van der Waals stacked systems, it is searching for new materials and optimizing them to raise efficiency.
*Illustrative imageVisible-light detection of low-energy properties
The electronic energy gaps formed by superconducting transitions and charge density waves are small and have been difficult to evaluate. The lab is taking on the challenge of capturing these gaps through low-wavenumber Raman measurements using visible light.
*Illustrative imageIntrinsic one-dimensional moiré superlattices
The lab found that twisting WTe2 at a large angle produces a one-dimensional moiré superlattice whose periodicity can be defined in only one direction. It will clarify the nature of this superlattice and its effect on the properties of the original two-dimensional material.
*Illustrative imageIn situ characterization of stacked structures
With van der Waals stacking, both the combination of materials and the twist angle can be changed freely, but it is not possible to fabricate every variation. By combining a microspectroscopy system with a compact stacking apparatus, the lab aims to achieve twist-angle control of optical properties.
MembersFaculty
The Zhang Lab's members consist of faculty and master's students.As of 2026
- Associate ProfessorYijin ZhangPublications ↗
- Assistant ProfessorKenichi ChoPublications ↗
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Report an errorAbout the images
For images provided to us or used with permission, the source is listed on each line. Wikimedia Commons images are illustrative and were not taken at the lab (they are cropped). Cropped CC BY-SA images are provided under the same CC BY-SA license as the original (version shown on each line).
- Top image: “Graphen” AlexanderAlUS / CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)
- Nonlinear optical response: “Laser DSC09088” David Monniaux / CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)
- Visible-light detection of low-energy properties: “Magnet 4” Peter Nussbaumer / CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)
- Intrinsic one-dimensional moiré superlattices: “Moire 1” Yami89 / Public domain (cropped)
- In situ characterization of stacked structures: “2H stacking layer and unit cell” Fador789 / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Konishi Lab): “Optical Table with doubled Nd-YAG Laser - (1)” Giorgio Brida from Torino, Italy / CC BY 2.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Nakatsuji-Sakai Lab): “FZU AV CR Silicon Single Crystal C” Mojmir Churavy / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Shimano Lab): “Femtosecond Laser and Pulse Compressor - Optics Lab - INRIM” Giorgio Brida from Torino, Italy / CC BY 2.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Ushiroda Lab (Interdisciplinary Science Unit, The University of Tokyo / KEK Belle Group)): “SuperKEKB accelerator and Belle II detector, near the collision point” 高エネルギー加速器研究機構 / © KEK
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