The approach gives scientists control over the angle between two stacked oxide layers while creating strong chemical bonds where they meet. When two thin crystalline layers are rotated relative to each other, their atomic patterns no longer line up perfectly. “Our work here demonstrates it is possible to use layers of oxide materials that are connected by strong chemical bonds—while precisely controlling the twist angle between crystalline oxide membranes. This treatment allowed strong chemical bonds to form between the layers without losing control of their alignment. Strong Bonds Reshape the Atomic LatticeThe researchers used synchrotron X-ray diffraction to examine the buried interface where the two crystals joined.