​In modern electronics, which underpins contemporary society, a combination of metallic and semiconductor phases enables diverse computing and sensing functions. As we move towards a future IoT society, there is a growing demand for higher added value and enhanced functionality. Organic electronics, utilizing organic semiconductors, is a field in which Japan has long been a global leader. This area is currently revealing several intriguing added values, such as the production of flexible devices and large-area manufacturing using printing technology.

 

Meanwhile, in recent condensed matter physics, new quantum phases have been discovered one after another, which could potentially replace traditional semiconductor phases. These new phases exhibit novel conductive, magnetic, and dielectric properties that cannot be realized by simple semiconductor phases. In two-dimensional materials using organic molecules, numerous quantum phases have been discovered, including superconducting phases, strongly correlated Mott insulating phases, nontrivial antiferromagnetic phases (altermagnets), spin liquid phases, charge-ordered/glass phases, Dirac and Weyl metal phases, and chiral crystal-specific electronic phases.

 

These quantum emergent phases based on organic molecules have several advantages over inorganic two-dimensional materials, such as metal chalcogenides. First, they allow for bottom-up device fabrication by leveraging the molecular characteristics that enable self-assembly under mild conditions. Second, they are chemically stable due to the absence of dangling bonds at the material's edges, reducing the likelihood of electron phase decoherence caused by radical spins.

 

The potential impact is immense if these quantum emergent phases can be applied to quantum information processing and sensing engineering. To date, research groups, including the applicants, have identified phase transitions from semiconductor phases to metallic phases (two-dimensional electron gases) and from Mott insulating phases to superconducting phases in field-effect devices using organic molecules, attracting international attention. However, research on interfacial electronic phases in organic molecules is still in its early stages, and accelerating research and development through international collaboration is highly desirable.

 

Considering these circumstances, this research exchange aims to promote the creation and control of quantum emergent phases through the development of new molecular layers and their application to organic quantum electronics. By facilitating international exchanges among researchers from different fields, we aim to foster human resource exchanges across disciplines, countries, and generations, thereby enabling the fastest possible research advancements.