Optical Absorption and Emission from Wannier-Stark Spectra of Moir\'{e} Superlattices

TL;DR

This paper investigates the optical signatures of Wannier-Stark spectra in moiré superlattices using Berry connection formalism, revealing potential for THz spectroscopy and lasing in these materials.

Contribution

It introduces a formalism based on non-Abelian Berry connection to analyze quantum geometric effects in Wannier-Stark spectra of moiré superlattices, highlighting experimental probing methods.

Findings

Interband hybridization gaps can be probed by THz spectroscopy.

Stimulated emission may dominate absorption at moderate fields.

Moiré materials enable access to both low- and high-field regimes.

Abstract

Using a formalism based on the non-Abelian Berry connection, we explore quantum geometric signatures of Wannier-Stark spectra in two-dimensional superlattices. The Stark energy can be written as \textit{intraband} Berry phases, while Zener tunneling is given by \textit{interband} Berry connections. We suggest that the gaps induced by interband hybridization can be probed by THz optical absorption and emission spectroscopy. This is especially relevant to modern moir\'{e} materials wherein mini-bands are often spectrally entangled, leading to strong interband hybridization in the Wannier-Stark regime. Furthermore, owing to their large superlattice constants, both the low-field and high-field regimes can be accessed in these materials using presently available technology. Importantly, even at moderate electric fields, we find that stimulated emission can dominate absorption, raising the possibility of lasing at practically relevant parameter regimes.