Signatures of Flexoelectric Polar Vortex Superstructure and Electronic-Correlation-Modulated Screening in a Double-Moiré System

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Authors: Si-yu Li, Zhongrui Wang, Yingzhuo Han, Shaoqing XU, Zhen Xu, Y. Q. Wang, Zhengwen Wang, Yucheng Xue, Aisheng Song, K. Watanabe, T. Taniguchi, Xueyun Wang
+5 more Tianbao Ma, Jiawang Hong, Hong‐Jun Gao, Yu Jiang, J. Mao
Cited by: 1
References: 53

Abstract

Nanoscale polar structures are essential for understanding polarization processes in low-dimensional systems and offer exciting prospects for high-performance electronics. Here, we reveal the signatures of a flexoelectric polar vortex superstructure in twisted bilayer graphene aligned with hexagonal boron nitride (TBG/hBN), where strong coupling between two moiré patterns induces pronounced structural relaxation. Scanning tunneling microscopy uncovers moiré-scale flat-band bending, distinct from domain-wall-confined polarization in minimally twisted graphene. Theoretical simulations demonstrate that the lowering of point-group symmetry plays a crucial role and indicate that the in-plane polarization field forms an array of polar vortices. Moreover, near the magic angle, the polarization becomes highly gate-tunable and couples to electron correlations, leading to spatially modulated correlated gaps. Our findings establish the coupling of multiple moiré patterns as a powerful strategy for engineering nanoscale polar structures and emergent quantum states.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Nonlocal and gradient elasticity in micro/nano structures Nonlinear Photonic Systems Mechanical and Optical Resonators

Publication details

Journal / source
Nano Letters
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
26
Issue
15
Pages
5102–5111
Publication date
13 April 2026
Language
EN