Designer quantum matter in van der Waals heterostructures

TL;DR

This review discusses how van der Waals heterostructures can be engineered to realize exotic quantum states, linking theoretical models with real materials through recent experimental insights.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive guide for connecting model Hamiltonians to actual van der Waals materials to engineer quantum phenomena.

Findings

Established procedures for 2D topological superconductors

Realization of quantum spin-liquids in heterostructures

Design strategies for flat band systems

Abstract

Van der Waals materials can be easily combined in lateral and vertical heterostructures, providing an outstanding platform to engineer elusive quantum states of matter. However, a critical problem in material science is to establish tangible links between real materials properties and terms that can be cooked up on the model Hamiltonian level to realize different exotic phenomena. Our review aims to do precisely this: we first discuss, in a way accessible to the materials community, what ingredients need to be included in the hybrid quantum materials recipe, and second, we elaborate on the specific materials that would possess the necessary qualities. We will review the well-established procedures for realizing 2D topological superconductors, quantum spin-liquids and flat bands systems, emphasizing the connection between well-known model Hamiltonians and real compounds. We will use the most recent experimental results to illustrate the power of the designer approach.