Observing Moiré Patterns in Graphene/hBN heterostructures via their surface plasmon-phonon polariton behavior

Moiré patterns in 2-Dimensional heterostructures can significantly alter optical and electronic behavior in the near field by introducing new periodicities that interact with confined electromagnetic modes. These effects are of growing interest for enabling flat bands, correlated states, and novel excitonic phenomena. Understanding Moiré-induced interactions in 2D materials may advance optoelectronic devices and qubit technologies.

This study examines how surface plasmon–phonon polaritons (SP3s), formed by coupling graphene’s surface plasmons with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) phonon modes, can probe the Moiré superlattice in graphene/hBN systems. These hybrid modes are tightly confined to the surface and interact strongly with near-field features from the superlattice. A detailed literature review and numerical simulations of polariton dispersion across wavevectors and frequencies were performed to identify optical absorption peaks.

Although experimental validation is limited by current technology, modeling predicts signatures such as miniband formation, modified group velocities, and possible superconductivity linked to the Moiré structure. These results establish a theoretical basis for future near-field studies and modeling of Moiré physics in engineered 2D twistronic materials.