Polaritonic Probe of an Emergent 2D Dipole Interface

The use of work-function-mediated charge transfer has recently emerged as a reliable route toward nanoscale electrostatic control of individual atomic layers. Using a-RuCl3 as a 2D electron acceptor, we are able to induce emergent nano-optical behavior in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) that arises due to interlayer charge polarization. Using scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM), we find that a thin layer of a-RuCl3 adjacent to an hBN slab reduces the propagation length of hBN phonon polaritons (PhPs) in significant excess of what can be attributed to intrinsic optical losses. Concomitant nano-optical spectroscopy experiments reveal a novel resonance that aligns energetically with the region of excess PhP losses. These experimental observations are elucidated by first-principles density-functional theory and near-field model calculations, which show that the formation of a large interfacial dipole suppresses out-of-plane PhP propagation. Our results demonstrate the potential utility of charge-transfer heterostructures for tailoring optoelectronic properties of 2D insulators.

Automated summary

The use of work-function-mediated charge transfer is explored for nanoscale electrostatic control of atomic layers. A thin layer of a-RuCl3 is found to induce emergent nano-optical behavior in hBN through interlayer charge polarization. The propagation length of hBN phonon polaritons is significantly reduced by the interfacial dipole formed by a-RuCl3, and a novel resonance is observed in nano-optical spectroscopy experiments. These findings demonstrate the potential of charge-transfer heterostructures for tailoring optoelectronic properties of 2D insulators.