2DTWIST · Electrostatic actuation of 2D-materials-based heterostructures for in situ twistronics

The discovery of superconductivity in twisted bilayer graphene in 2018 gave rise to twistronics. Twistronics is the study of how the reciprocal angle between layers of two-dimensional materials can modify their properties. Twisted structures present a Moiré lattice and exhibit very different electronic behavior, from non-conductive to superconductive, which depends significantly on the angle between the layers. To date, several techniques have been developed to fabricate layered heterostructures with controlled rotation between the layers, but the Moiré patterns have largely been static. Recent works have demonstrated the tuning of Moiré patterns by using the atomic force microscopy technique to rotate adjacent layers, allowing to study the evolution of properties as the twist angle varies. Dynamic control of rotatable heterostructures will provide a relatively simple platform for exploring exotic quantum effects. Thanks to the observation of these phenomena, a new playground will be created with disruptive technological repercussions, from quantum computing to optoelectronics. In 2DTWIST, I will develop a new technique that allows active, dynamic, and automated control of Moiré geometry in 2D heterostructures in a single device, allowing more precise positioning and in-situ twist of adjacent layers, by electrostatic actuation. Thanks to this approach it will be possible to explore how emergent properties depend on Moiré geometry and to achieve controlled and uniform properties within a single device.