A Perspective on Collective Properties of Atoms on 2D Materials

Abstract

AbstractAtoms deposited on 2D electronic materials, such as graphene, can exhibit unconventional many‐body correlations, not accessible in other settings. All of these are driven by van der Waals forces: between the atoms themselves and atom‐material interactions. For example 4He atoms on 2D materials can potentially form a variety of exotic quantum states of matter, such as 2D supersolids and superfluids, in addition to solid phases. For the “most quantum” case of a single helium layer we discuss, from a theoretical perspective, how the effective low‐energy (Bose–Hubbard) description can take advantage of the extreme sensitivity of this unique system to the interplay between the atomic (helium) and solid‐state (graphene) components. Due to the extraordinary variety and tunability of 2D electronic materials, it is envisaged that a wide range of correlated atomic phases can be realized under favorable conditions. Exciting possibilities in the opposite extreme of many atomic layers forming a liquid on top of graphene are also outlined —in this case a so‐called “spinodal dewetting” pattern can form at the liquid–vapor interface which reflects the presence and electronic properties of graphene underneath. Such patterns could be manipulated by choosing different atoms and materials, with potential technological applications.