Current maps of moiré superlattices with atomic reconstruction

Abstract

Current maps measured by conductive atomic force microscopy are critical for investigating the atomic reconstruction in moiré superlattices. However, a microscopic analytical theory for calculating the current maps of moiré superlattices is still missing. Here, we have developed a unique theory to calculate the current maps of moiré superlattices, which is based on the optical method. The theoretical results can well reproduce the fundamental characteristics of the experiments. Furthermore, the theoretical results predict that there may exist finer structure in the current map of twisted bilayer graphene. In addition, one existing viewpoint of twisted mono-bilayer graphene, i.e., the higher-current domains correspond to ABA stacking, is challenged by the present theoretical results. The present work establishes an integral theoretical framework to calculate the current maps of moiré superlattices and provides insight into the underlying physics.