About the SHEEP Project:

The idea behind the SHEEP project is to use novel 2D heterostructures that will exhibit the Bulk Photovoltaic Effect (BVPE).
Indeed, a “shift current” (the relevant parameter for BPVE generation) occurs every time the real-space centre of charge for valence bands differs from the centre of charge for conduction bands, the results is a photocurrent from the spatial displacement of electrons and holes during light-induced transitions.

The SHEEP project is based on a combined theoretical and experimental approach.
The engineering of 2D heterostructures will be performed with the use of state-of-the-art computational codes based on density functional theory with advanced functionals, and using the low energy model framework.
The SHEEP interfaces will be fabricated via mechanical exfoliation and lift-of and transfer techniques and then further studied with on campus (Raman, PL, STM/STS) and state of the synchrotron radiation tools like micro-ARPES.

The project is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU (component M4C2, investment 1.1) through the “Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca” within the program “progetti di ricerca di rilevante interesse nazionale” (PRIN) for the two-year period 2023/2025.