Exploring cavity-induced effects in 2D quantum materials*

Light-induced modification of material properties has garnered widespread interest within the scientific community. In fact, several effects can be potentially modified or enhanced when light interacts strongly with matter. As an alternative to ultrafast pump-probe experiments, cavity-mediated light-matter interaction offers the possibility to tailor the steady-state behavior of a material system by designing on-purpose electromagnetic environments. 

 

In this context, 2D materials emerge as an optimal choice for the matter component due to their natural integration into optical cavities. Furthermore, the observation of Kohn's theorem violations in Dirac materials suggests the possibility of probing and controlling electron-electron interactions within such systems. 

 

Our study explores two different approaches targeting distinct frequency ranges. On one hand, we seek to couple a Landau transition in graphene, in the presence of a finite magnetic field, with confined mid-infrared light. Indeed, we have developed a technique for creating ultrasharp polariton nanocavities within h-BN layers, directly integrated into the device. 

 

Conversely, we aim to enhance the effective interaction of terahertz radiation with Dirac materials by utilizing metallic split-ring resonators, pushing towards the ultra-strong coupling regime. As predicted from theoretical calculations, achieving such extreme conditions would enable light-mediated control of electronic properties in quantum materials.