New quantum microscope could advance study of 2D materials' electronic behavior

A new theoretical analysis suggests that a quantum twisting microscope (QTM) could enhance the study of electronic behavior in twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) and other 2D materials. This microscope allows electrons to tunnel between layers in multiple locations simultaneously. The QTM, first demonstrated in 2023, differs from traditional imaging tools by probing the wave-like behavior of electrons. Researchers can adjust the twist angle between materials to map electron energy states, revealing important quantum properties. Recent findings indicate that a cryogenic QTM can investigate electron-phonon coupling in TBG. This technique may help clarify the role of phonons in TBG's superconducting properties and could be applied to other moiré systems in future studies.