Heat capacity and thermal transport measurements of 2M-WS₂ single crystals for material property characterization and thermal transport modeling of thin films

Heat capacity measurements along with thermal conductivity provide valuable insight into material properties and characteristics. We probe these thermal properties of monoclinic tungsten disulfide (2M-WS₂) single crystals, using a Quantum Design PPMS, as a function of temperature to pair with pre-existing data showing superconductivity in 2M-WS₂ to further enhance our understanding of this topological superconducting material and its unique properties.



Heat capacity and thermal conductivity are used to calculate thermal diffusivity and correlate the superconducting characteristics of 2M-WS₂. We model heat flow through theoretical samples using the Fourier heat equation and measured values to simulate heat flow through the material. Then we determine temperature gradients across the sample longitudinally and transversely which provides insight into our thermal Hall measurements using a thermal Hall device constructed for 2M-WS₂ thin films and other topological materials where Majorana particles are theorized to exist.



The device will be constructed using electron beam lithography (EBL) and other nano-fabrication techniques. Silicon is the substrate, and platinum thermometers are used to measure temperature gradients. A platinum resistor is the heat source, and a platinum heat sink is opposite the heat source to maintain a temperature gradient across the sample while an out of plane magnetic field is applied. This micro-device will allow us to further probe thermal properties of 2M-WS₂ and search for Majorana particles.