Photon-Assisted Quantum Tunneling in Two-Dimensional NiI₂/hBN Heterostructures

Quantum tunneling plays a fundamental role in modern physics and technology. Understanding the intricate relationships between quantum tunneling, light, and magnetic ordering expands the frontiers of quantum physics. Here, we demonstrate photon-assisted quantum tunneling in two-dimensional NiI₂/hBN heterostructures. Our measurements reveal a remarkable ten-fold enhancement in tunneling current through the junction at specific photon energies during the multiferroic phase (low-T) compared to the non-multiferroic phase (high-T). This phenomenon suggests a complex interplay between photonic excitation, multiferroic ordering, and electron tunneling dynamics. Our findings open new possibilities for controlling quantum tunneling through light-matter interactions in multiferroic systems, and paving the way for the integration of photonic, spintronic, and electronic quantum devices.