Work

Multidimensional spectro-temporal imaging of exciton dynamics under propagating acoustic strain in two-dimensional semiconductors

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Dynamic strain offers a promising route to manipulate tightly bound excitons in two-dimensional semiconductors. Its impact, however, has so far been inferred primarily from time-averaged or spatially integrated measurements. In particular, for dynamic strain driven by surface acoustic waves (SAWs), the relatively small strain amplitude and competing piezoelectric effects have hindered direct access to the real-time evolution of exciton emission energy and recombination dynamics within a single acoustic cycle. Here we report a fully phase-synchronized, multidimensional spectro-temporal-spatial visualization of exciton emission in monolayer tungsten diselenide driven by propagating SAWs. By integrating phase-resolved microscopy and interferometric surface displacement measurements, we achieve simultaneous mapping of exciton emission energy, photoluminescence intensity, linewidth, and decay dynamics and directly correlate them with the dynamic strain field. Our work establishes propagating acoustic strain as a powerful platform for deterministic exciton control and provides a comprehensive framework for exploring nonequilibrium exciton dynamics in low-dimensional materials.

Source: Science Advances

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aef5458