Two-dimensional natural hyperbolic materials: From polaritons modulation to applications

TL;DR

This review explores the unique optical properties of two-dimensional natural hyperbolic materials, focusing on their hyperbolic polaritons and potential applications in quantum photonics and optoelectronics.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the anisotropic optical features and generation mechanisms of hyperbolic polaritons in 2D natural HMs, highlighting their practical applications.

Findings

Four types of hyperbolic polaritons discussed

Potential for quantum photonic applications identified

Analysis of existing issues and future directions

Abstract

Natural hyperbolic materials (HMs) in two dimensions (2D) have an extraordinarily high anisotropy and a hyperbolic dispersion relation. Some of them can even sustain hyperbolic polaritons with great directional propagation and light compression to deeply sub-wavelength scales due to their inherent anisotropy. Herein, the anisotropic optical features of 2D natural HMs are reviewed. Four hyperbolic polaritons (i.e., phonon polaritons, plasmon polaritons, exciton-polaritons, and shear polaritons) as well as their generation mechanism are discussed in detail. The natural merits of 2D HMs hold promise for practical quantum photonic applications such as valley quantum interference, mid-infrared polarizer, spontaneous emission enhancement, near-field thermal radiation, and a new generation of optoelectronic components, among others. These analyses' conclusion outlines existing issues and potential interesting directions for 2D natural HMs. These findings could spur more interest in anisotropic 2D atomic crystals in the future, as well as the quick generation of natural HMs for new applications.