Proposal for optical control of the moiré twist angle
Phys. Rev. B 113, 195411 – Published 13 May, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/3r4r-qkj6
Abstract
In this theoretical work, we propose an all-optical method for fast and precise manipulation of twist angle in two-dimensional multilayer by transferring orbital angular momentum from phase-structured light (e.g., vortex beams) to a 2D material flake. We model the light-matter interaction, analyze the twist dynamics, and develop a phase diagram for optical twists by mapping the system onto an impulsively forced nonlinear pendulum. Our findings reveal rich dynamical responses spanning single- and multipulse twist angle control to (quasi)stable dynamical trajectories, and suggest a pathway for all-optical measurement of the twist potential energy. Aided by classical potential estimates for the interlayer energy and numerical simulations, we demonstrate the feasibility of this approach with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) bilayers and extend the results to transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with first-principles calculations. These results can be generalized to other 2D multilayers, paving the way for customizable moiré electronics and photonics.
