An international research team, including scientists from Skoltech (part of the VEB.RF group), has developed a method for creating one-dimensional quantum wires in structures made of two different two-dimensional materials: molybdenum diselenide and tungsten diselenide. This breakthrough, reported in a recent study, allows for precise control of deformation at the nanoscale, which is crucial for advancing optoelectronic devices such as light-emitting diodes and photodetectors.
The team used a technique involving the stacking of these 2D materials, which have slightly different lattice constants, to create a moiré pattern. By applying strain, they were able to induce the formation of quantum wires—one-dimensional channels where electrons are confined. This confinement enhances the materials' optical properties, making them more efficient for light emission and detection.
According to the researchers, this method offers a new way to engineer the electronic and optical properties of 2D materials without altering their chemical composition. The findings were published in a peer-reviewed journal, and the team is now exploring potential applications in next-generation optoelectronics, including flexible displays and quantum computing components.