Defects, which are ubiquitous in crystalline solids at finite temperatures due to the second law of thermodynamics, are also present in two-dimensional (2D) systems, an important class of materials which have recently received enormous amount of attention. Moreover, many 2D materials are synthetic, so that defect concentration in them can be well above the equilibrium value. 2D materials consist of essentially surface only, so that defects can easily be formed due to the interaction with the environment, e.g., because of oxidation. The imperfections have a strong influence on the electronic, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of 2D materials, normally deteriorating their characteristics, but can also be beneficial, e.g., in the context of doping or single-photon quantum emitters. The reduced dimensionality of 2D materials strongly enhances the role of defects (detrimental or beneficial), and many concepts of the physics of defects in bulk systems are not applicable for 2D materials or require substantial modifications.

This symposium will bring together scientists focused on the physics of defects in 2D materials to discuss recent progress and challenges in the field, including "state of the art" in theory and characterization techniques.

The symposium will cover, but is not limited to the following themes: