Crafting moiré superlattices in twisted complex oxide–transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructures

Abstract

Abstract Moiré superlattices, arising from overlaying atomic layers with slight mismatch or rotation, have transformed the study of emergent electronic and quantum phenomena beyond those of the constituent materials. Expanding this paradigm, here we demonstrate moiré superlattice formation at the interface between strongly correlated oxides and two-dimensional layered materials. The integration of complex oxides, a classic family of strongly correlated electron systems with transition metal dichalcogenides, enables the realization of an emerging class of moiré-engineered heterostructures that may potentially extend beyond conventional van der Waals systems. Herein, we reveal the presence of moiré superlattices in oxide-WS₂ heterostructures across varying twist angles and demonstrate highly tunable moiré periodicity as well as ultrafast charge transfer in these oxide-transition metal dichalcogenide systems. Direct observation of moiré exciton minibands confirms the emergence of moiré electronic structures, enabling twist-tunable discrete quantum states and unconventional charge dynamics. In combination with continuum modeling and density functional theory, our results elucidate the intricate interplay between moiré periodicity, quantum confinement, and band-flattening effects. By harnessing the synergy between complex oxides and layered materials, this work establishes a versatile platform for engineering artificial quantum states, providing previously inaccessible insights into correlated quantum phenomena and quantum material engineering.