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At least 55 records · Page 3

Flat nonlinear optics with intersubband polaritonic metasurfaces

Nonlinear intersubband polaritonic metasurfaces produce some of the strongest second- and third-order nonlinear optical responses reported for condensed matter systems at infrared frequencies. These metasurfaces are fabricated as two-dimensional arrays of nanoresonators from multi-quantum-well semiconductor heterostructures, designed to produce strong nonlinear responses associated with intersubband transitions. By optimally coupling the optical modes of the nanoresonators to vertically polarized intersubband transitions in semiconductor heterostructures, one can boost the nonlinear response associated with intersubband transitions, make intersubband transitions interact with free-space radiation at normal incidence, and hence produce optically thin flat nonlinear optical elements compatible with free-space optical setups. As a result of the strong nonlinear response in these systems, significant nonlinear conversion efficiencies (>0.1 %) can be attained in deeply subwavelength optical films using modest pumping intensities of only 10–100 kW/cm 2 . Subwavelength metasurface thickness relaxes phase-matching constraints limiting the operation of bulk nonlinear crystals. Furthermore, the amplitude and phase of the nonlinear optical response in intersubband polaritonic metasurfaces can be tailored for a specific pump wavelength and a nonlinear process of interest through the co-optimization of quantum engineering of electron states in semiconductor heterostructures and photonic engineering of the metasurface nanoresonators design. Additionally, an applied voltage can dynamically control the amplitude and phase of the nonlinear optical response at a nanoresonator level. Here, we review the current state of the art in this rapidly expanding field, focusing on nonlinear processes supporting second-harmonic generation, saturable absorption, and optical power limiting.

flat optics↗

Phased array-based nonlinear wave mixing technique: Application to lack-of-fusion porosity characterization in additively manufactured metals

The objective of this research is to demonstrate the effectiveness of a phased array-based nonlinear wave mixing technique to characterize internal, localized microscale damage in an additively manufactured (AM) component. By using phased arrays for the generation of the incident waves, it is possible to produce a nonlinear wave mixing scanning technique without the need for immersion or changing coupling conditions. The phased arrays can be configured to generate incident waves in multiple directions that meet the resonance conditions required for nonlinear wave mixing at a variety of internal locations. This allows for the scanning of a specimen without the removal and re-coupling of the source transducers, leading to greater scanning speed and repeatability. To demonstrate the accuracy of this phased array wave mixing approach, measurements of acoustic nonlinearity in an AM component are first made with a bulk wave second harmonic generation through thickness measurement. Next, nonlinear wave mixing measurements are made with single element transducers to confirm the sensitivity of the proposed nonlinear wave mixing approach to lack-of-fusion porosity in AM metals. Finally, phased arrays are used to highlight the effectiveness of the proposed nonlinear wave mixing technique in these same AM components.

Acoustics↗

Near Room Temperature Solvothermal Growth of Ferroelectric CsPbBr 3 Nanoplatelets with Ultralow Dark Current

CsPbBr 3 exhibits outstanding optoelectronic properties and thermal stability, making it a coveted material for detectors, light-emitting diodes, and solar cells. Despite observations of ferroelectricity in CsPbBr 3 quantum dots, synthesizing bulk ferroelectric CsPbBr 3 crystals has remained elusive, hindering its potential in next-generation optoelectronic devices like optical switches and ferroelectric photovoltaics. Here, a breakthrough is reported: a novel solvothermal technique enabling the growth of ferroelectric CsPbBr 3 nanoplatelets with lateral dimensions in the tens of micrometers. This represents a significant step toward achieving large-area ferroelectric CsPbBr 3 crystals. Unlike traditional methods, this approach allows for growth and crystallization of CsPbBr 3 in alcohol solutions by enhancing precursor solubility. Further this study confirms the ferroelectric nature of these nanoplatelets using second harmonic generation, electrical characterizations, and piezoresponse force microscopy. This work paves the way for utilizing ferroelectric CsPbBr 3 in novel optoelectronic devices, significantly expanding the potential of this material and opening doors for further exploration in this exciting field.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Multiresolution Quantum Chemistry: Nonlinear Response Properties at the Basis Set Limit

We benchmark the accuracy of Dunning correlation-consistent Gaussian basis sets for computing frequencydependent second-order hyperpolarizabilities relevant to second-harmonic generation (SHG), using multiresolution analysis (MRA) as a reference. Basis set errors are analyzed using a unit-sphere representation of the effective hyperpolarizability vector, enabling direct assessment of directional error structure. We introduce a relative RMS total error metric that integrates directional deviations over the unit sphere and complement it with signed projection errors that distinguish over- and underestimation. Unsupervised clustering based on these signed directional metrics reveals four distinct convergence behaviors across a set of 68 molecules. Unitsphere visualizations of representative systems show that basis set errors are often highly anisotropic and localized along specific bond directions, even when global error measures appear small. Doubly augmented basis sets consistently outperform singly augmented ones, and core-polarization functions are required for uniform convergence in second-row systems. Overall, this work demonstrates that directional analysis combined with clustering provides a robust framework for understanding basis set convergence in nonlinear optical response properties.

Basis sets↗

Atomic Layer Deposition for Enhanced Light Confinement in Nonlinear Metasurfaces

Metasurfaces enable the generation of strong nonlinear signals, with nanoantenna resonances significantly enhancing the nonlinear response through tailored light–matter interactions. Commonly used nonlinear materials, such as lithium niobate and other similar crystals, have relatively moderate refractive indices, limiting their ability to achieve the strong mode localization attainable with high-refractive-index materials like silicon. Here, we report on enhancing mode confinement in nonlinear metasurfaces by employing conformal coatings of titania with atomic layer deposition (ALD). We develop a low-temperature ALD that enables the augmentation of resonances in materials that cannot withstand high-temperature processing, including polymers. We report on the design of a metasurface incorporating a nonlinear crystal and an ALD coating, achieving enhanced mode localization through this approach in the near-infrared wavelength range. We numerically demonstrate a significant enhancement in second-harmonic generation in the designed metasurface, achieved by optimizing the thickness of the ALD coating for the telecommunication wavelength.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Harnessing complexity: Nonlinear optical phenomena in L-shapes, nanocrescents, and split-ring resonators

Here, we conduct systematic studies of the optical characteristics of plasmonic nanoparticles that exhibit C 2v symmetry. In particular, we analyze three distinct geometric configurations: an L-type shape, a crescent, and a split-ring resonator shaped like the Greek letter π. Optical properties are examined using the finite-difference time-domain method. It is demonstrated that all three shapes exhibit two prominent plasmon modes associated with the two axes of symmetry. This is in addition to a wide range of resonances observed at high frequencies corresponding to quadrupole modes and peaks due to sharp corners. Next, to facilitate nonlinear analysis, we employ a semiclassical hydrodynamic model, where the electron pressure term is explicitly accounted for. This model goes beyond the standard Drude description and enables capturing nonlocal and nonlinear effects. Employing this model enables us to rigorously examine the second-order angular resolved nonlinear optical response of these nanoparticles in each of the three configurations. Two pumping regimes are considered, namely, continuous wave (CW) and pulsed excitations. For CW pumping, we explore the properties of the second harmonic generation (SHG). Polarization and angle-resolved SHG spectra are obtained, revealing strong dependence on the nanoparticle geometry and incident wave polarization. The C 2v symmetry is shown to play a key role in determining the polarization states and selection rules of the SHG signal. For pulsed excitations, we discuss the phenomenon of broadband terahertz (THz) generation induced by the difference-frequency generation . It is shown that the THz emission spectra exhibit unique features attributed to the plasmonic resonances and symmetry of the nanoparticles. The polarization of the generated THz waves is also examined, revealing interesting patterns tied to the nanoparticle geometry. To gain deeper insight, we propose an analytical theory that agrees very well with the numerical experiments. The theory shows that the physical origin of the THz radiation is the mixing of various frequency components of the fundamental pulse by the second-order nonlinear susceptibility. An expression for the far-field THz intensity is derived in terms of the incident pulse parameters and the nonlinear response tensor of the nanoparticle. The results presented in this work offer new insights into the linear and nonlinear optical properties of nanoparticles with C 2v symmetry. The demonstrated strong SHG response and efficient broadband THz generation hold great promise for applications in nonlinear spectroscopy, nanophotonics, and optoelectronics. The proposed theoretical framework also provides a valuable tool for understanding and predicting the nonlinear behavior of other related nanostructures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Nonresonant Raman Control of Ferroelectric Polarization

Important advances is recently made in the search for materials with complex multi-phase landscapes that host photoinduced metastable collective states with exotic functionalities. In almost all cases so far, the desired phases are accessed by exploiting light–matter interactions via the imaginary part of the dielectric function through above-bandgap or resonant mode excitation. Nonresonant Raman excitation of coherent modes is experimentally observed and proposed for dynamic material control, but the resulting atomic excursion is limited to perturbative levels. Here, in this study, this challenge is overcome by employing nonresonant ultrashort pulses with low photon energies well below the bandgap. Using mid-infrared pulses, ferroelectric reversal is induced in lithium niobate, and the large-amplitude mode displacements are characterized through femtosecond stimulated Raman scattering and second harmonic generation. This approach, validated by first-principle calculations, defines a novel method for synthesizing hidden phases with unique functional properties and manipulating complex energy landscapes at reduced energy consumption and ultrafast speeds.

Shi, Jiaojian [Stanford Univ., CA (United States);↗

Tailored Frequency Conversion in Nonlinear Subwavelength Grating Metaslabs

The use of metaslab waveguides consisting of subwavelength gratings (SWGs) is proposed as a highly flexible approach to obtain phase‐matched frequency conversion in nonlinear integrated devices. Control over the phase matching (PM) condition is achieved through modification of the linear modal propagation constants by the SWG. The method is experimentally demonstrated by fabrication of 0.4 mm‐long GaAs metaslabs designed for second harmonic generation of near‐infrared light. A controlled spectral shift of up to 100 nm in the PM condition, relative to a uniform slab is observed. Excellent agreement is found between the experimental results and finite‐difference eigenmode simulations, which predict a tunable frequency conversion bandwidth of ∼300 nm for the design parameters. The different regimes of PM control supported by the structure are discussed. This work highlights the potential of SWGs as building blocks for tailored frequency conversion in nonlinear integrated devices.

Form birefringence↗

Crystal Growth of Quaternary Rare Earth Selenosilicates by Using the Flux-Assisted Boron Chalcogen Mixture Method: Investigation of Their Magnetic and Optical Properties

A series of rare earth magnesium selenosilicates, RE3Mg 0.5 SiSe 7 (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy) were obtained as single crystal using the flux assisted boron chalcogen mixture (BCM) method. The structures of the crystals were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The RE3Mg 0.5 SiSe 7 series crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system in the space group P6 3 . Polycrystalline powders were synthesized to perform physical property measurements. Magnetic measurements over the 2–300 K temperature range reveal that Ce 3 Mg 0.5 SiSe 7 and Gd 3 Mg 0.5 SiSe 7 exhibit paramagnetic behavior with negative Weiss constants (θ W = −14.50, θ W = −6.13 K, respectively). The optical properties of RE 3 Mg 0.5 SiSe 7 (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd) were measured by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflectance. Density functional theory (DFT) electronic structure calculations were performed. Furthermore, a second harmonic generation measurement was performed on a polycrystalline powder of Ce 3 Mg 0.5 SiSe 7 and was found to be SHG active with an efficiency of 0.11 times the standard potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Ba 4 RuMn 2 O 10 : A Noncentrosymmetric Polar Crystal Structure with Disordered Trimers

Phase-pure polycrystalline Ba 4 RuMn 2 O 10 was prepared and determined to adopt the noncentrosymmetric polar crystal structure (space group Cmc2 1 ) based on results of second harmonic generation, convergent beam electron diffraction, and Rietveld refinements using powder neutron diffraction data. The crystal structure features zigzag chains of corner-shared trimers, which contain three distorted face-sharing octahedra. The three metal sites in the trimers are occupied by disordered Ru/Mn with three different ratios: Ru1:Mn1 = 0.202(8):0.798(8), Ru2:Mn2 = 0.27(1):0.73(1), and Ru3:Mn3 = 0.40(1):0.60(1), successfully lowering the symmetry and inducing the polar crystal structure from the centrosymmetric parent compounds Ba 4 T 3 O 10 (T = Mn, Ru; space group Cmca). The valence state of Ru/Mn is confirmed to be +4 according to X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy. Ba 4 RuMn 2 O 10 is a narrow bandgap (~0.6 eV) semiconductor exhibiting spin-glass behavior with strong magnetic frustration and antiferromagnetic interactions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

FeSi 4 P 4 and CoSi 3 P 3 : Hidden Gems of Ternary Tetrel Pnictides with Outstanding Nonlinear Optical Properties

Metal silicon phosphides have shown promise as nonlinear optical materials. To be practically useful and cheap, earth-abundant 3d transition metals are preferred over their scarcer and more expensive 4d and 5d counterparts. Here, we developed a synthetic method to produce polycrystalline bulk powders and millimeter-sized single crystals of ternary compounds FeSi 4 P 4 and CoSi 3 P 3 . Both studied compounds have noncentrosymmetric and chiral crystal structures with ordered Si/P arrangements as was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and solid-state NMR. Despite the presence of the transition metal, FeSi 4 P 4 and CoSi 3 P 3 are semiconductors with direct band gaps of 1.3 and 1.6 eV, respectively, indicating low-spin d 6 electronic configuration for octahedral Fe 2+ and Co 3+ . Relative to reported sulfide materials, FeSi 4 P 4 and CoSi 3 P 3 small band gap semiconductors demonstrate an outstanding combination of second-harmonic generation (SHG) activity and laser damage threshold (LDT). Both studied materials are phase-matchable with a 2.09 μm laser and not only exhibit 2.5–3.0 times stronger SHG signal than that of the state-of-the-art AgGaS 2 standard but also demonstrate an LDT response of 2.3–2.5 times higher than that of AgGaS 2 (at 1.09 μm laser with a pulse width of 10 ns)-which is unprecedented for small band gap semiconductors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Layered and Low-Dimensional Lead, Silver, and Bismuth Halide Perovskites Directed by Halogen-Substituted Spacer Cations

Hybrid organic–inorganic metal halides provide a diverse parameter space in which the optoelectronic properties can be tuned through the composition. The compositional tunability extends to the metal site, which can be expanded from single valent metals (e.g., Pb 2+ ) to multivalent metals (e.g., Ag + and Bi 3+ ), and the dimension (2D, 1D, or 0D). However, a deeper understanding of how the organic cations template these metal halide structures is needed. Here, we synthesize and study the structures of a series of new layered and low-dimensional metal (Pb, Ag, and Bi) halides templated by the halogenated aryl spacer cations 2-chlorobenzylammonium (2ClBZ) and 3-chloro-2-fluorobenzylammonium (3Cl2FBZ). We report new lead perovskites, (3Cl2FBZ) 2 PbBr 4 , (2ClBZ) 3 PbI 5 , and (3Cl2FBZ) 2 PbI 4 , and compare them to their silver and/or bismuth analogs (2ClBZ) 4 AgBiBr 8 , (3Cl2FBZ) 4 AgBiBr 8 , (2ClBZ) 3 Bi 2 I 9 , and (3Cl2FBZ) 4 Bi 2 I 10 . In all structures, the halogen-substituted cations result in 2D or “pseudo-2D” layering, but the different halogen substituents introduce different distortions (tilting, octahedral distortion) and dimensional reduction to 1D or 0D depending on the metal and halide compositions. Optical absorption measurements reveal the bandgaps are tunable through metal sites, dimension, and cations to different extents. Furthermore, the 1D (3Cl2FBZ) 4 Bi 2 I 10 crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric space group Cmc2 1 and exhibits second-harmonic generation (SHG). Furthermore, the organic–inorganic interactions and resultant structural distortions examined here provide insights toward the engineering of noncentrosymmetry and dimensional control in hybrid metal halide perovskites.

Cations↗

Peculiar Magnetic and Magneto-Transport Properties in a Noncentrosymmetric Self-Intercalated van der Waals Ferromagnet Cr 5 Te 8

Trigonal Cr 5 Te 8 , a self-intercalated van der Waals ferromagnet with an out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy, has long been known to crystallize in a centrosymmetric structure. However, optical second harmonic generation experiments, together with comprehensive structural analysis, indicate that this compound rather adopts a noncentrosymmetric structure. Lorentz transmission electron microscopy reveals the presence of Néel-type skyrmions, consistent with its noncentrosymmetric structure. A large anomalous Hall conductivity of 102 Ω –1 cm –1 at low temperature stems from intrinsic origin, which is larger than any previously reported values in the bulk Cr–Te system. Notably, spontaneous topological Hall resistivity arising from the skyrmionic phase has been observed. Here, our findings not only elucidate the unique magnetic and magneto-transport properties of noncentrosymmetric trigonal Cr 5 Te 8 , but also open new avenues for investigating the effects of broken inversion symmetry on material properties and their potential applications.

crystal structure↗

d -Electron Heavy Fermion Behavior in a Near-Room-Temperature Polar Metallic Ferrimagnet: A Case of Mn 5 SiC

Polycrystalline Mn 5 SiC was synthesized by using a high-temperature solid-state method. Mn 5 SiC adopts a polar space group (Cmc2 1 ) with six crystallographic Mn sites confirmed by X-ray and neutron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and second harmonic generation experiments. The complex crystal structure features edge-sharing trigonal prisms and icosahedra, as well as face/edge-sharing pentagonal prisms. Magnetic measurements indicate ferrimagnetic ordering with a transition temperature of 284 K. The ferrimagnetic structure (magnetic space group Cm’c’2 1 ) was further identified by powder neutron diffraction, where collinear Mn spins align along the crystallographic c-axis. The refined magnetic moment for each crystallographic Mn site at 4 K is 1.8(2), −2.42(9), −1.72(8), 0.51(6), 0.50(4), and 1.7(2) μ B . Density functional theory calculations confirm both the metallic behavior and the ferrimagnetic structure observed experimentally and further provide insight into the observed Mn moment dependence across crystallographic sites. The resistivity and specific heat measurements and density functional theory calculations reveal a substantially large Kadowaki–Woods ratio of 5 × 10 –5 μΩ·cm/(mJ/mol) 2 and a many-body renormalization factor of 5.5, indicating the unusual heavy Fermion behavior in such an itinerant magnetic metal.

Messegee, Zachary T. [George Mason University, Fai↗

Cs X Si 15 P 21 ( X = Sn or Pb): Polar Noncentrosymmetric Si–P Frameworks Stabilized by Covalent X –P Bonding

Metal silicon phosphides composed of earth-abundant Si and P tend to exhibit semiconducting properties and adopt diverse crystal structures with relatively small additions of structure-directing elements. The potential of silicon phosphide materials in nonlinear optical applications has been hindered by the inability to systematically produce noncentrosymmetric structures with such a flexible framework. Here, in this work, two isostructural compounds with a novel noncentrosymmetric structure were made possible by the inclusion of elements with stereochemically active lone pairs (Sn 2+ and Pb 2+ ). The structures were determined through single-crystal and synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction. Analysis of chemical bonding in real space through the electron localization function revealed stereochemically active Pb 2+ and Sn 2+ species in a trigonal pyramidal coordination with {Pb/Sn}–P bonds. Such covalent bonding between Pb and P is quite uncommon in extended solids and has been reported in a few rare instances. Band structure calculations and linear optical measurements confirm the semiconducting nature of Cs X Si 15 P 21 ( X = Sn or Pb). The synthesis was optimized to yield high-purity polycrystalline samples. The nonlinear optical properties show promising second-harmonic generation (SHG) coefficients from the Kurtz–Perry method. First-principles calculations of the nonlinear optical properties support the experimentally determined SHG values and provide moderate values of birefringence, suggesting Cs X Si 15 P 21 could be phase-matchable and practical nonlinear optical materials in the mid-IR region.

crystal structure↗

Synthesis and Properties of Bulk Mg 3 WN 4 in a Wurtzite-Derived Structure

Experimental synthesis of theoretically predicted materials with controlled elemental coordination environments can lead to the realization of useful properties, such as facile ion transport or ferroelectric switching. Among such materials are ternary nitrides in the Mg−W−N composition space, where several stable and metastable compounds have been predicted and synthesized recently in bulk and film forms. Here, we report for the first time on the bulk synthesis of Mg 3 WN 4 in a wurtzite-derived crystal structure via a solid-state metathesis reaction. In situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction shows how the ion exchange proceeds from Li 6 WN 4 + MgCl 2 precursors to Mg 3 WN 4 + LiCl products, with the reaction starting slowly near 380 °C and completing by 600 °C, including the presence of a competing disordered rocksalt-derived phase (Mg,W)N above 440 °C. The follow-up ex situ powder synthesis at 400 °C for 0.5 h with 10% excess MgCl 2 reveals the cation-ordered nature of the wurtzite-derived Mg 3 WN 4 structure with polar symmetry confirmed by second-harmonic generation measurements. Optical absorption spectra, chemical composition analysis, and electron microscopy imaging suggest that bulk Mg 3 WN 4 obtained via metathesis reaction is prone to defect formation. Overall, this study shows that selective ex situ synthesis of the phase-pure ternary nitrides, informed by in situ measurements, is possible by carefully controlling the thermal budget of the reaction and paves the way toward property characterization of the Mg 3 WN 4 wurtzite-derived material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Crystal Structures, Optical Behavior, and Magnetic Properties in Hydrated Lanthanide Iron Sulfates

Single crystals of LnFe(SO 4 ) 3 (H 2 O) 2 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm; compounds 1–11) and LnFe(SO 4 ) 3 (H 2 O) (Ln = Tm, Yb, Lu; compounds 12–14) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analysis revealed that the dihydrated compounds (1–11) crystallize in centrosymmetric (CS) structures, with the lanthanide ions adopting eight-coordinate geometries. In contrast, the monohydrated compounds (12–14) exhibit noncentrosymmetric (NCS) structures, where the lanthanide ions are seven-coordinated. Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) confirmed that compounds 2, 4, and 7–11 are paramagnetic below 400 K, with compound 8 displaying the highest magnetic susceptibility. Compounds 1, 5, 6, 13, and 14 show a sharp increase in magnetic susceptibility at Néel temperatures ( T N ) of approximately 72, 76, 70, 58, and 56 K, respectively, indicating antiferromagnetic ordering. High-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements further support the presence of antiferromagnetic transitions in these compounds. Second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements showed that the noncentrosymmetric Yb (compound 13) and Lu (compound 14) compounds exhibit SHG intensities of 0.3× and 1.6× that of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP), respectively.

anions↗

Phase-Selective Synthesis of Rhombohedral WS 2 Multilayers by Confined-Space Hybrid Metal–Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition

Rhombohedral polytype transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) multilayers exhibit non-centrosymmetric interlayer stacking, which yields intriguing properties such as ferroelectricity, a large second-order susceptibility coefficient χ (2) , giant valley coherence, and a bulk photovoltaic effect. These properties have spurred significant interest in developing phase-selective growth methods for multilayer rhombohedral TMDC films. Here, in this study, we report a confined-space, hybrid metal–organic chemical vapor deposition method that preferentially grows 3R-WS 2 multilayer films with thickness up to 130 nm. We confirm the 3R stacking structure via polarization-resolved second-harmonic generation characterization and the 3-fold symmetry revealed by anisotropic H 2 O 2 etching. The multilayer 3R WS 2 shows a dendritic morphology, which is indicative of diffusion-limited growth. Multilayer regions with large, stepped terraces enable layer-resolved evaluation of the optical properties of 3R-WS 2 via Raman, photoluminescence, and differential reflectance spectroscopy. These measurements confirm the interfacial quality and suggest ferroelectric modification of the exciton energies.

3R-WS2↗