Control of electrons and polaritons by patterning the 3D environment of a 2D material

An important, yet sometimes understated property of 2D materials is that they are embedded in a 3D environment, making them amenable to external manipulation in ways that 3D materials are not. In this talk I will focus on the possibility of electrostatically inducing artificAn important, yet sometimes understated property of 2D materials is that they are embedded in a 3D environment, making them amenable to external manipulation in ways that 3D materials are not. In this talk I will focus on the possibility of electrostatically inducing artificial superlattices in quantum materials such as graphene. Using a newly developed technique, the period of the artificial superlattice can approach the period of the moiré pattern in heterostructures such as magic angle graphene, but with complete freedom in choosing lattice geometry. Specifically, for a kagome lattice geometry, we show particle-hole asymmetry and surprising magnetotransport effects induced by the superlattice. Finally, I will discuss the prospects of this approach in producing artificial correlated phases.  

In addition, I briefly demonstrate how polaritons in 2D materials can be confined to extremely small volumes while maintaining an appreciable quality factor (Q~100). This breaks away from the established paradigm that deep subwavelength cavities always exhibit low quality factors (high absorption) and presents exciting possibilities for manipulating electron behavior with light.ial superlattices in quantum materials such as graphene. Using a newly developed technique, the period of the artificial superlattice can approach the period of the moiré pattern in heterostructures such as magic angle graphene, but with complete freedom in choosing lattice geometry. Specifically, for a kagome lattice geometry, we show particle-hole asymmetry and surprising magnetotransport effects induced by the superlattice. Finally, I will discuss the prospects of this approach in producing artificial correlated phases.  

In addition, I briefly demonstrate how polaritons in 2D materials can be confined to extremely small volumes while maintaining an appreciable quality factor (Q~100). This breaks away from the established paradigm that deep subwavelength cavities always exhibit low quality factors (high absorption) and presents exciting possibilities for manipulating electron behavior with light.