Synthesis and characterization of transition metal chalcogenide superlattice compounds

The transition metal dichalcogenides MX₂ have recently attracted significant attention for their novel electronic properties in monolayer form. These include optical control of valley polarization, the valley Hall effect, and novel forms of superconductivity. While bulk crystals of MX₂ materials have a quasi-two-dimensional character reflected in their electronic structure, the coupling between the layers dilutes the many exotic effects appearing in monolayer systems. Here, we report the synthesis of bulk single crystal superlattice materials that physically separate the MX₂ layers in the 2H-MX₂ structure resulting in enhancements of the 2D nature of their electronic properties observable in their transport behavior.