Heterostrain-enabled dynamically tunable moire superlattice in twisted bilayer graphene

The ability to precisely control moire patterns in two-dimensional materials has enabled the realization of unprecedented physical phenomena including Mott insulators, unconventional superconductivity, and quantum emission. Along with the twist angle, the application of independent strain in each layer of stacked two-dimensional materials-termed heterostrain-has become a powerful means to manipulate the moire potential landscapes. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated the possibility of continuously tuning the twist angle and the resulting physical properties. However, the dynamic control of heterostrain that allows the on-demand manipulation of moire superlattices has yet to be experimentally realized. Here, by harnessing the weak interlayer van der Waals bonding in twisted bilayer graphene devices, we demonstrate the realization of dynamically tunable heterostrain of up to 1.3%. Polarization-resolved Raman spectroscopy confirmed the existence of substantial heterostrain by presenting triple G peaks arising from the independently strained graphene layers. Theoretical calculations revealed that the distorted moire patterns via heterostrain can significantly alter the electronic structure of twisted bilayer graphene, allowing the emergence of multiple absorption peaks ranging from near-infrared to visible spectral ranges. Our experimental demonstration presents a new degree of freedom towards the dynamic modulation of moire superlattices, holding the promise to unveil unprecedented physics and applications of stacked two-dimensional materials.

Automated summary

By utilizing weak interlayer van der Waals bonding in twisted bilayer graphene devices, dynamically tunable heterostrain of up to 1.3% can be achieved, as confirmed by polarization-resolved Raman spectroscopy showing substantial heterostrain in graphene layers. Theoretical calculations reveal that heterostrain significantly alters the electronic structure of graphene, leading to the emergence of multiple absorption peaks.