Moir\'e flat bands in alternating twisted $\mathrm{MoTe_2}$ multilayer

TL;DR

This paper theoretically explores the moiré band structures of alternating twisted multilayer MoTe2, revealing multiple topological flat bands controllable by layer number and twist angle, with potential to host fractional quantum anomalous Hall states.

Contribution

It introduces the unique properties of alternating twisted multilayer MoTe2, including the decomposition rule of flat bands and their topological nature, expanding the understanding of moiré systems beyond existing models.

Findings

N-2 topological flat bands near Fermi energy for N-layer systems

Identification of specific flat band configurations for N=3 and N=4

Prediction of exotic correlated states due to high density of states

Abstract

The long-awaited fractional quantum anomalous Hall (FQAH) effect recently has been observed in the twisted $\mathrm{MoTe_2}$ homobilayers, causing a great sensation. Here, we theoretically investigate the moir\'e band structures of a closely related system, the alternating twisted multilayer $\mathrm{MoTe_2}$ (ATML-$\mathrm{MoTe_2}$), where the adjacent layers have opposite twist angles. We illustrate that such ATML-$\mathrm{MoTe_2}$ is a very unique moir\'e system, exhibiting multiple topological flat bands highly controllable by the layer number and twist angle, which is not only an ideal platform to simulate Hubbard model, but also may host FQAH states. Specifically, an N-layer ATML-$\mathrm{MoTe_2}$ ($N \geq 3$) always possesses $N-2$ topological flat bands near Fermi energy $E_f$, which has an odd-even dependent decomposition rule to understand the behaviors of the moir\'e flat bands. We predict three intriguing examples: (1) The AT3L-$\mathrm{MoTe_2}$ ($N=3$) has one isolated moir\'e flat band, which corresponds to a triangular lattice Hubbard model, resembling the twisted TMD heterobilayers. (2) The AT4L-$\mathrm{MoTe_2}$ ($N=4$) has two topological flat bands that are very similar to the twisted $\mathrm{MoTe_2}$ homobilayers, implying the possible existence of FQAH states. (3) When $N>4$, the giant density of states (DOS) induced by the multiple moir\'e flat bands may induce exotic correlated states.