Optical control of moiré twist angles

In this theoretical work, we envision an all-optical approach for controlling the moiré twist angle of multilayer two-dimensional materials. The approach leverages the orbital angular momentum of vortex beams constructed with infrared light to enable the mechanical rotation of two-dimensional layers. We model the light-matter interaction and twist dynamics for a general flake of two-dimensional material. Then, using first-principles theory and pairwise classical force fields to model the energetic barrier to twists for the example of a hexagonal boron nitride bilayer, we demonstrate the approach's feasibility with currently available laser sources.

We anticipate that this fast, precise, all-optical approach to twist-angle control of multilayers will provide scalable, tailored access to the diverse functionality of moiré materials.