All van der Waals Integrated Nanophotonics with Bulk Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

Integrated optics is at the heart of a wide range of systems from remote sensing and communications to computing and quantum information processing. Demand for smaller and more energy efficient structures stimulates a search for more advanced material platforms. Here, we propose a concept of an all van der Waals photonics, where we show that electronically bulk transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) semiconductors are well fitted for the design of key optical components for nanoscale and integrated photonics. Specifically, we demonstrate theoretically that, owing to their unique properties, components made of bulk TMDCs may potentially outperform counterparts made of conventional 3D semiconductors, such as Si and III-Vs. We discuss several key quantum and classical optical components and show that bulk TMDCs may pave the way to smaller footprint devices, more energy efficient electro-optic modulators, and a stronger quantum light-materials interaction. In our study, to account for anisotropic properties of bulk TMDC materials and enhanced light-materials interaction, we develop a theoretical formalism that allows exploring complex structures made of such materials. Enhanced optical performance, ease of integration, and a wide range of materials selection suggest that bulk TMDCs may complement existing integrated photonics systems.

Automated summary

The article introduces the concept of all van der Waals photonics and discusses the potential applications of electronically bulk transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) semiconductors in nanoscale and integrated photonics. Bulk TMDCs may potentially outperform conventional 3D semiconductors, leading to smaller devices, more energy-efficient electro-optic modulators, and stronger quantum light-materials interaction. The enhanced optical performance, ease of integration, and wide range of materials selection suggest that bulk TMDCs may complement existing integrated photonics systems.