Devices based on two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors are now moving from singular observations in the laboratory to an integrated high performance electronics. To ensure a smooth technology transition, it is critical to address the challenges that affect device yield, performance, and reproducibility. One such challenge is achieving clean electrical contacts. The deposition of defect-free van der Waals (vdW) metallic contacts on atomically thin 2D semiconductors is a promising and scalable approach. Here, we discuss the growth morphology of vdW metal contacts on 2D semiconductors, resulting in uniform thin films with large grain size. Interestingly, the applications of vdW contacts are not limited to electronics. We discuss how ferromagnetic vdW contacts can enable robust room temperature spin injection in graphene without the need for the dielectric tunnel barriers used in state-of-the-art lateral spin valves, enabling reliable and scalable spintronic devices. Finally, we show how graphene contacts can be used to probe interfacial effects in emerging 2D ferroelectric based devices. 

Bio: Dr. Soumya Sarkar is a Research Associate working with Prof. Manish Chhowalla in the Department of Materials Science at the University of Cambridge, UK. He received his Ph.D. from the National University of Singapore, where he worked with Prof. Venky Venkatesan, and Prof. Silvija Gradečak. His research explores atomically thin materials for low energy electronic and optoelectronic devices.