Tarik Hossain: “2DSPIN-TECH is pushing boundaries”
Our series of promising young researchers in the exciting field of 2D materials and spintronics continues. Now it’s time to meet Tarik Hossain from the University of Jena in Germany, involved in the 2DSPIN-TECH project.
Tarik Hossain is a postdoctoral researcher specialising in the synthesis and characterisation of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDs), with a particular focus on Janus TMDs. These unique materials, with broken out-of-plane symmetry, exhibit strong spin-orbit coupling and novel optoelectronic properties.
⏹ What is the focus of your research work?
➡️ My research aims to develop scalable and highly reproducible chemical vapour deposition (CVD) methods for synthesising high-quality spin-orbit torque (SOT) materials for 2D spintronic devices, says Tarik Hossain and continues:
➡️In my work, I primarily employ CVD growth techniques to synthesize various 2D TMDs, including Janus TMDs such as SeMoS and SeWS monolayers, as well as TMD heterostructures like MoSe2-WSe2 in both lateral and vertical configurations.
⏹ What are some of the tools or techniques that you use?
➡️ These materials are characterised using Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AR-XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoluminescence spectroscopy to evaluate their structural, interfacial, and optical quality.
⏹ Any recent experiments you found particularly interesting?
➡️ A really exciting result has been the successful CVD growth of Janus SeMoS and SeWS monolayers, with well-controlled stoichiometry and distinct Raman signatures confirming the asymmetric chalcogen substitution. In parallel, we achieved direct CVD growth of hybrid MoSe2/WSe2 heterostructures that result in strong interlayer exciton emission. This emission is observable even at room temperature and becomes the sole contributor at cryogenic temperatures, representing a rare observation that demonstrates superior interface and optical quality of CVD-grown TMD heterobilayers compared to manually stacked monolayers.
⏹ Are such 2D heterostructures relevant for spintronic applications?
➡️ Yes, highly relevant. It’s due to the synergy of their strong intrinsic spin-orbit coupling (SOC), broken inversion symmetry, and long-lived interlayer excitons. This combination may facilitate spin-valley coupling and efficient spin transfer across the atomically sharp interface, positioning them as promising building blocks for next-generation spintronic devices.
⏹ What have you learned from 2DSPIN-TECH?
➡️ It has significantly broadened my expertise. Beyond strengthening my technical proficiency in CVD synthesis, microscopic, nanoscopic, and spectroscopic characterisation, including device integration steps, the project has also fundamentally enhanced my soft skills. I have gained invaluable experience in teamwork, scientific communication, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, demonstrating a clear understanding of how collective international efforts can accelerate fundamental and technological research, pushing boundaries far beyond individual capacity, says Tarik Hossain.
Text: Jonas Löfvendahl
✅ Read about young researcher Kovács-Krausz Zoltán here.
✅ Read about young researcher Roselle Ngaloy here.
✅ Read more about 2DSPIN-TECH here.