The Advanced Nanoelectronics & Nanostructures Laboratory (ANNLab) research group is led by Zafer Mutlu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (by courtesy), and Professor in the Department of Physics (by courtesy) at the University of Arizona.
Our research primarily focuses on graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) and emerging nanoelectronic devices. GNRs are atomically precise carbon structures synthesized through bottom-up chemical methods and offer electronic properties that can be engineered at the molecular scale. As conventional silicon technology approaches its physical limits, particularly with the growing demands of AI computing, we explore GNRs as next-generation transistor channel materials. Our goal is to translate these materials from fundamental studies to chip-scale electronic devices, ultimately enabling computing architectures that extend beyond the capabilities of traditional silicon technologies.
In addition to nanoelectronics, we develop acoustic wave devices based on piezoelectric crystals, where we apply ideas from topological physics to create signal-processing platforms that are more robust, efficient, and resilient to imperfections. These devices are designed for next-generation wireless communication and sensing systems, where reliability and precision are increasingly critical.
We also study the electronic behavior of chalcopyrite, the most abundant copper-bearing mineral on Earth. By understanding the fundamental electronic properties that influence its chemical reactivity, we aim to uncover new and more sustainable approaches for copper extraction.
Beyond these core programs, our group actively explores emerging and unconventional ideas that arise from curiosity-driven, cross-disciplinary thinking. We encourage creative exploration and pursue new research directions that connect materials, devices, and future information technologies.
To learn more about our work, please visit the Research and Publications sections of our website.