Plasmons in MoS2 Studied via Experimental and Theoretical Correlation of Energy Loss Spectra

Abstract

Two dimensional materials offer a path forward for smaller and more efficient devices. Their optical and electronic properties give way to beat the limits set in place by Moore's Law. Plasmon are the collective oscillations of electrons and can confine light to dimensions much smaller than its wavelength. In this work we explore the plasmonic properties of MoS2, a representational candidate from a family of 2D materials known as transition metal dichalcogenides. High resolution electron microscopy and spectroscopy provide insights in the plasmonic properties of MoS2 down to an atomic scale. Experimental results show the relationship between plasmons and interband transitions in the electron energy loss spectrum. Density functional theory provides a theoretical support for the experimental findings and provides commentary on the fundamental underlying physics.