Twistronics: A turning point in 2D quantum materials

TL;DR

This paper reviews the emerging field of twistronics, where stacking and twisting 2D materials create moiré superlattices with novel quantum phases and phenomena, opening new avenues in quantum materials research.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the synthesis, experimental exploration, and potential applications of twisted 2D quantum materials and moiré superlattices.

Findings

Discovery of non-trivial quantum phases in moiré superlattices

Observation of band-structure distortions and topological phenomena

Potential for exploring strongly correlated and topological physics

Abstract

Moir\'e superlattices - periodic orbital overlaps and lattice-reconstruction between sites of high atomic registry in vertically-stacked 2D layered materials - are quantum-active interfaces where non-trivial quantum phases on novel phenomena can emerge from geometric arrangements of 2D materials, which are not intrinsic to the parent materials. Unexpected distortions in band-structure and topology lead to long-range correlations, charge-ordering, and several other fascinating quantum phenomena hidden within the physical space between the (similar or dissimilar) parent materials. Stacking, twisting, gate-modulating, and optically-exciting these superlattices open up a new field for seamlessly exploring physics from the weak to strong correlations limit within a many-body and topological framework. It is impossible to capture it all, and the aim of this review is to highlight some of the important recent developments in synthesis, experiments, and potential applications of these materials.