Roadmap for Photonics with 2D Materials

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Photonics
• Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

• Recent advances in atomic-layer exfoliation and growth techniques have enabled the creation of unique two-dimensional (2D) materials.
• These materials, including graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and van der Waals (vdW) crystals, exhibit extraordinary physical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the rapid expansion of photonics research involving 2D materials.
• To identify current challenges and future opportunities in this dynamic research arena.

Main Methods:

• Combining layer stacking and twisting techniques.
• Utilizing nanofabrication and surface-science methods.
• Integrating 2D materials into nanostructured environments.

Main Results:

• 2D materials offer remarkable nonlinearities, long-lived polaritons, strong excitons, and topological effects.
• Applications are being developed in electro-optical modulation, light emission/detection, imaging, sensing, and quantum physics.
• These materials enable hybridization with electronic band structures and magnetic degrees of freedom.

Conclusions:

• Photonics with 2D materials is a rapidly expanding field with significant breakthroughs.
• Further research is needed to address challenges and unlock future potential.
• This roadmap provides insights from leading practitioners on future goals and strategies.