# CAREER: Electronic and optical phenomena in moire materials beyond the flat-band paradigm

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Florida State University (FL) · $597,737

## Abstract

NONTECHNICAL SUMMARY

Imagine materials that look like tiny, patterned quilts at the atomic scale; these are called moiré materials. Their unique structure creates energy conditions (called flat bands) where electrons move slowly and thus interact strongly with one another. In turn, these interactions can lead to surprising phenomena, from new forms of superconductivity to unexpected optical effects with potential for fundamental technological advancements.

This project looks beyond the flat-band approaches to explore other unique features of moiré materials, such as their multilayer structure and structural patterns. The research focuses on exploring three main directions: i) Plasmonics in moiré materials. Plasmons are formed by the synchronized motion of electrons that can carry energy at very high speeds, opening possibilities for ultrafast electronics and communication; ii) Interaction of these moiré materials with light, aiming to develop fundamental principles for better solar-cell design and new tools to probe hidden quantum properties of materials; iii) Developing a theory of superconductivity for these moiré systems by comparing superconducting behaviors in different multilayer systems.

Alongside the research activity, this project includes an education component designed to broadly improve visibility, accessibility, and participation in the field of condensed matter. The education plan also includes a significant component dedicated to addressing stuttering in academia, aimed at increasing student participation and educational attainment levels. The main initiatives of the plan are: i) to develop a series of do-at-home experiments emphasizing condensed matter principles, ii) to develop a series of undergraduate-friendly events at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory that will demonstrate the breadth of condensed matter research and help stimulate undergraduate student participation in research, and iii) to compile videos and resources that i

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2543710
- **Awardee organization:** Florida State University (FL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** JF2BLNN4PJC3
- **PI:** Cyprian K Lewandowski
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE
- **Estimated total:** $597,737
- **Funds obligated:** $360,000
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 06/01/2026 → 05/31/2031

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2543710

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2543710, CAREER: Electronic and optical phenomena in moire materials beyond the flat-band paradigm. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-10 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2543710. Licensed CC0.

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