A simple fabrication strategy for orientationally accurate twisted heterostructures

Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure is a type of metamaterial where multiple layers of 2D materials are vertically aligned at controlled misorientation. The relative rotation in between the adjacent layers, or the twist angle between them plays a crucial role in changing the electronic band structure of the superlattice. The assembly of multi-layers of precisely twisted two dimensional layered materials requires knowledge of the atomic structure at the edge of the flake. It may be artificially created by the 'tear and stack' process. Otherwise, the crystallographic orientation needs to be determined through invasive processes such as transmission electron microscopy or scanning tunneling microscopy, and via second-harmonic generation (SHG). Here, we demonstrate a simple and elegant transfer protocol using only an optical microscope as a edge identifier tool through which, controlled transfer of twisted homobilayer and heterobilayer transition metal dichalcogenides is performed with close to 100% yield. The fabricated twisted vdW heterostructures have been characterized by SHG, Raman spectroscopy and photoluminiscence spectroscopy, confirming the desired twist angle within similar to 0.5 degrees accuracy. The presented method is reliable, quick and prevents the use of invasive tools which is desirable for reproducible device functionalities.

Automated summary

Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure is a metamaterial where multiple layers of 2D materials are vertically aligned with controlled misorientation. The twist angle between layers is crucial for changing the electronic band structure of the superlattice, and the fabrication process requires precise knowledge of the atomic structure and orientation. The presented method uses an optical microscope for edge identification, achieving controlled transfer of twisted materials with high yield and accuracy.