Hybridization of Interlayer Excitons: Unlocking Many-Body Quantum States in Bilayer Semiconductors

Exciton Hybridization in Bilayer Semiconductors

In the quest to harness quantum materials for future electronics and photonics, excitons—bound electron-hole pairs—are central players. These quasi-particles form the basis of many fascinating quantum effects, offering pathways toward advanced optoelectronic devices, quantum information systems, and even exotic states of matter. A recent breakthrough by researchers at Harvard University and collaborating institutions sheds new light on the behavior of excitons in two-dimensional materials, particularly molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) bilayers.

What Are Interlayer Excitons?

Unlike conventional excitons, where electrons and holes are confined to the same atomic layer, interlayer excitons form when the electron and hole are spatially separated in adjacent layers. This spatial dipole separation makes them highly sensitive to electric fields and environmental fluctuations, while also granting them long lifetimes—ideal characteristics for optoelectronic manipulation and quantum coherence studies.

The Breakthrough: Hybridization Observed

In their study published in Nature Physics, the team illuminated bilayer MoS₂ samples with broadband light while carefully tuning the electron density. They observed an unexpected hybridization of interlayer excitons—two distinct exciton states mixing to form new hybrid states. This phenomenon, marked by “stochastic anti-crossing” in optical spectra, hints at deeper collective quantum behavior and may represent indirect evidence of an elusive many-body quantum state.

Remarkably, signatures of exciton hybridization and coherence were detected at temperatures up to 75 K, far higher than typically expected for fragile quantum states. This raises the tantalizing possibility of achieving superfluid-like excitonic behavior without requiring ultra-cold environments.

Why It Matters for Quantum Materials

The implications are profound. Exciton hybridization could be a precursor to exciton condensation, a collective state where electron-hole pairs behave as a coherent quantum fluid. Such a discovery could revolutionize quantum optoelectronics, enabling devices with ultra-low power consumption, new forms of information processing, and highly tunable light-matter interactions.

Furthermore, this work suggests strategies for controlling coherence in layered semiconductors, including the possibility of twisting layers to stabilize hybridization. The research bridges condensed matter physics, materials science, and quantum technology in a way that opens entirely new avenues of exploration.

Future Directions

Looking ahead, researchers plan to investigate hybridization in more complex systems, such as trilayer semiconductors and quadrupolar excitons. Cleaner material synthesis and counterflow experiments could provide direct confirmation of interlayer coherence. If successful, these studies may move us closer to realizing functional quantum materials for practical applications.

Further Reading and Source

Read the original article here:
https://phys.org/news/2025-09-hybridization-interlayer-excitons-bilayer-semiconductor.html

*This blog article was prepared with the help of AI technologies.

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#Excitons #InterlayerExcitons #QuantumMaterials #2DSemiconductors #MoS2 #ExcitonCondensation #QuantumPhysics #MaterialsScience #Optoelectronics #BilayerSemiconductors #QuantumServerNetworks #PWmat #LonxunQuantum #NaturePhysics #ExcitonHybridization

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