A 2D layer distorts to fit its neighbor (IMAGE) DOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Caption This animation shows how a 2D layer of material that’s being interwoven with a 2D perovskite (which is not shown) has to distort slightly to form a tight interface with the perovskite’s atomic lattice. Both types of layers assemble themselves from chemicals in water with the help of molecules shaped like barbells. These barbells carry templates that direct the assembly and link the finished layers in the correct order. The new self-assembly technique, developed by SLAC and Stanford researchers, produces large crystals with a wide range of electronic properties. Credit Michael Aubrey/Stanford University Usage Restrictions None License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.