An image interaction approach to quantum-phase engineering of two-dimensional materials

Tuning electrical, optical, and thermal material properties is central for engineering and understanding solid-state systems. In this scenario, atomically thin materials are appealing because of their sensitivity to electric and magnetic gating, as well as to interlayer hybridization. Here, we introduce a radically different approach to material engineering relying on the image interaction experienced by electrons in a two-dimensional material when placed in proximity of an electrically neutral structure. We theoretically show that electrons in a semiconductor atomic layer acquire a quantum phase resulting from the image potential induced by the presence of a neighboring periodic array of conducting ribbons, which in turn modifies the optical, electrical, and thermal properties of the monolayer, giving rise to additional interband optical absorption, plasmon hybridization, and metal-insulator transitions. Beyond its fundamental interest, material engineering based on the image interaction represents a disruptive approach to tailor the properties of atomic layers for application in nanodevices.