Structures and Light–Matter Interactions in Low-Dimensional Materials

Dear Colleagues,

The realm of low-dimensional materials provides a uniquely tunable platform for exploring and manipulating light–matter interactions at the quantum level. Advances in fabricating and engineering these structures—from monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and van der Waals heterostructures to emerging moiré superlattices—are continuously unveiling novel optical phenomena. This Special Issue, “Structures and Light–Matter Interactions in Low-Dimensional Materials,” seeks to highlight the latest breakthroughs at the intersection of atomic-scale structure design and both linear and nonlinear optical properties.

We welcome the submission of cutting-edge research and review articles that explore how tailored structures govern light–matter coupling. Key focus areas include the following:

Exotic exciton physics (e.g., interlayer excitons, trions, and biexcitons) and valleytronics in atomically thin semiconductors.

Moiré engineering and twistronics for controlling optical selection rules, nonlinear harmonic generation, and the emergence of correlated quantum states.

Nonlinear optical processes, such as strong-field phenomena, high-harmonic generation, and ultrafast saturable absorption, are enabled by low symmetry and quantum confinement.

Quantum photonics applications, including the design of single-photon emitters and integrated quantum light sources based on defects and strain engineering in 2D materials.

Active nanophotonic devices leveraging these interactions for next-generation optoelectronics, sensing, and on-chip information processing.

This collection will highlight how precise structural control—through stacking, strain, defect engineering, and dielectric environment tailoring—could lead to unprecedented optical functionalities. We aim to provide a forum containing the latest discoveries that are shaping the future of low-dimensional material photonics, including ultra-compact modulators, on-chip light sources, quantum light emitters, and photonic-integrated circuits.

Prof. Dr. Yi Zhang
Dr. Yadong Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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