Plasmons in MoS2 Studied via Experimental and Theoretical Correlation of Energy Loss Spectra

TL;DR

This paper investigates the plasmonic properties of MoS2, a 2D transition metal dichalcogenide, using combined experimental electron microscopy and spectroscopy with theoretical density functional theory analysis.

Contribution

It provides a detailed correlation between experimental electron energy loss spectra and theoretical models for MoS2's plasmons, advancing understanding of 2D material plasmonics.

Findings

Experimental spectra reveal the link between plasmons and interband transitions.

Theoretical DFT calculations support experimental observations.

Insights into the fundamental physics of plasmons in MoS2.

Abstract

Two dimensional materials offer a path forward for smaller and more efficient devices. Their optical and electronic properties give way to beat the limits set in place by Moore's Law. Plasmon are the collective oscillations of electrons and can confine light to dimensions much smaller than its wavelength. In this work we explore the plasmonic properties of MoS2, a representational candidate from a family of 2D materials known as transition metal dichalcogenides. High resolution electron microscopy and spectroscopy provide insights in the plasmonic properties of MoS2 down to an atomic scale. Experimental results show the relationship between plasmons and interband transitions in the electron energy loss spectrum. Density functional theory provides a theoretical support for the experimental findings and provides commentary on the fundamental underlying physics.