Graphene-driven correlated electronic states in one dimensional defects within WS₂

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Surface Science

Background:

• Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid (TLL) behavior is predicted in 1D systems, observed at semiconductor-to-metal transitions in 2D materials.
• One-dimensional defects can host Fermi liquid or TLL states, with substrate influence suggested but not fully detailed.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate TLL formation in defectively engineered WS2 on graphene.
• Elucidate the role of the graphene substrate in electronic contributions to TLLs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized nano angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (nano-ARPES) to visualize band structure.
• Employed scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) and non-contact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM) to probe atomic and electronic environments.

Main Results:

• Correlated local density of states with electronic band dispersion.
• Demonstrated electron transfer from graphene into the 1D metal (1DM) defects hosting the TLL.
• Identified the vertical heterostructure and induced charge transfer as crucial for TLL formation.

Conclusions:

• Graphene substrate is critical for inducing TLL behavior in 1D defects of WS2.
• Charge transfer from graphene into 1D metal defects drives TLL formation.
• This study highlights the importance of substrate engineering for novel electronic states.