Interlayer interactions in one-dimensional van der Waals moir\'e superlattices

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent experimental and theoretical advances in understanding interlayer interactions and emergent optical phenomena in one-dimensional van der Waals moiré superlattices, especially in double-walled carbon nanotubes.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on 1D vdW moiré superlattices, highlighting new optical features and potential for exotic phases.

Findings

Emergence of new optical features due to interlayer electronic interactions.

Potential for correlated physics and exotic phases in 1D moiré systems.

Summary of experimental observations and theoretical perspectives.

Abstract

Different atomistic registry between the layers forming the inner and outer nanotubes can form one-dimensional (1D) van der Waals (vdW) moir\'e superlattices. Unlike the two-dimensional (2D) vdW moir\'e superlattices, effects of 1D vdW moir\'e superlattices on electronic and optical properties in 1D moir\'e superlattices are not well understood, and they are often neglected. In this Perspective, we summarize new experimental observations and theoretical perspectives related to interlayer interactions in double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs), a representative 1D vdW moir\'e system. Our discussion will focus on new optical features emerging from the interlayer electronic interactions in DWNTs. Exciting correlated physics and exotic phases of matter are anticipated to exist in 1D vdW moir\'e superlattices, analogous with those discovered in the 2D vdW moir\'e superlattices. We further discuss the future directions in probing and uncovering interesting physical phenomena in 1D moir\'e superlattices.