Journal Article

FZJ-2026-04059

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Tailoring Symmetry Breaking in Engineered van der Waals Superlattices

Jin, K.FZJ* ; Klebl, L. ; Goodwin, Z. A. H. ; Zhao, J. ; Lüpke, F.FZJ* ; Kennes, D. M. ; Martinez-Castro, J.FZJ* ; Ternes, M. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2026
Wiley-VCH Weinheim

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1002/adma.74569

Abstract: Superlattice engineering in van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures (e.g., by moiré engineering) provides a powerful platform for designing electronic bands and realizing correlated and topological quantum phenomena.Here, we pioneer a scheme to tailor superpotentials based on intrinsic substrate electronic orders. We show that this establishes a robust, self-aligned, and highly versatile route to band-structure control, as we demonstrate in graphene by engineering two distinct, nearly commensurate superlattices using the charge density waves (CDWs) of 1T-NbSe2. In these superlattices, the graphene's Dirac cones are folded either to the Γ-point or to the K-points of the mini-Brillouin zone (mBZ). Using scanning tunneling microscopy, we observe that the Γ-folded system preserves 𝐶3symmetry, while the K-folded system exhibits symmetry breaking. Combining density functional theory with an interlayer interaction model, we reveal that this difference is not electronically driven but originates from a structural instability. Our work establishes superlattice engineering for designer quantum states and unveils a structural mechanism for controlled emergent symmetry breaking.

Note: Online Version of Record before inclusion in an issue e74569; no volume yet but it was mandatory so I put it to zero

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Quantum Nanoscience (PGI-3)

Research Program(s):

1. 5213 - Quantum Nanoscience (POF4-521) (POF4-521)
2. DFG project G:(GEPRIS)422707584 - SPP 2244: 2D Materialien – die Physik von van der Waals [Hetero-]Strukturen (2DMP) (422707584) (422707584)
3. DFG project G:(GEPRIS)443274199 - Korrelationen in van der Waals [Hetero]Strukturen: spektroskopische Signaturen von Quasiteilchen und kollektiven Anregungen (443274199) (443274199)
4. DFG project G:(GEPRIS)443416235 - 1D topologische Supraleitung und Majorana Zustände in van der Waals Heterostrukturen charakterisiert durch Rastersondenmikroskopie (443416235) (443416235)
5. DFG project G:(GEPRIS)511561801 - Manipulierung von 2D Supraleitung und Majorana Zuständen auf der Nanoskala (511561801) (511561801)
6. DFG project G:(GEPRIS)567751856 - Struktur und Proximity-Effekte in (gedrehten) Multilagen-Graphen (567751856) (567751856)

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Database coverage:
; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Engineering, Computing and Technology ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; DEAL Wiley ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 25 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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