Welcome to Advanced Nanoelectronics and Nanostructures Laboratory (ANNLab) Website!

We are a research group led by Zafer Mutlu, Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, with courtesy appointments in Physics and Electrical & Computer Engineering at University of Arizona, since August 2022. At ANNLab, we work at the intersection of materials science, physics, electrical engineering, and nanotechnology to explore emerging materials and devices for next-generation technologies. A major focus is on atomically precise graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), which we investigate as quantum-confined semiconductors for high-performance, energy-efficient logic technologies that offer functionalities beyond what is possible with conventional silicon. We study charge transport mechanisms, contact engineering, and scalable integration strategies to enable reliable and efficient device operation. In parallel, we develop topological acoustic wave devices that utilize protected phonon modes for robust, low-loss signal processing in radio-frequency (RF) systems, sensing applications, and potential quantum-enabled communication platforms. Our research also includes investigating the semiconducting properties of chalcopyrite to enhance copper extraction efficiency. In addition, we actively explore emerging and unconventional ideas driven by curiosity and interdisciplinary thinking. These include the synthesis of 2D quantum dielectrics, thermal management at the nanoscale, radiation interactions with low-dimensional materials, and other novel experiments inspired by new concepts and cross-field collaborations. We integrate both conventional and advanced experimental methods with modern computational tools, including machine learning and large language models, to accelerate discovery, optimize processes, and understand complex behaviors across classical and quantum domains. Our main goal is to advance science and technology in ways that meaningfully contribute to and benefit society. To learn more our research, check Research and Publications sections of our website.