Dear Colleagues,

Two-dimensional (2D) materials with thicknesses down to a single atom have been extensively investigated since the exfoliation of graphene. Due to their reduced dimensionality, 2D materials exhibit an extraordinary optical response in comparison with bulk counterparts. In addition, spatial confinement and reduced dielectric screening of 2D materials causes strong Coulomb interactions, resulting in a room-temperature exciton formation with large excitonic binding energies. Stable room-temperature excitons are ideal candidates for understanding light–matter interactions and have possible application in the development of excitonic polariton devices. 2D semiconducting materials have exceptional optical absorption/photoluminescence in the visible and NIR range, which has opened up prospects for 2D materials exploration for use as absorbers, reflectors, light modulators in optical nanodevices, as well as in optoelectronics, energy applications, and sensors. The mechanism of light–matter interaction in 2D materials challenges the knowledge of materials physics, which drives the rapid development in almost all aspects, ranging from theoretical investigation, material preparation, and synthesis to device configurations. The novel structural, mechanical, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties indicate the great potential of 2D materials in device applications. However, there are still many challenges to develop devices based on the new materials and properties.

This Special Issue aims to bring together detailed studies in the field of the optical properties of 2D materials and related heterostructures and to identify the crucial areas where progress can be made, from a fundamental point of view (experiments and theory), toward novel applications of 2D materials.

Dr. Nataša Vujičić
Guest Editor

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• 2D materials
• van der Waals materials
• optical properties of new 2D materials
• plasmons
• excitons
• phonons
• polaritons
• optoelectronics
• 2D-materials-based devices