Photonic Crystals for Enhanced Light Extraction from 2D Materials

In recent years, a range of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have been studied, and remarkable optical and electronic characteristics have been demonstrated. Furthermore, the weak interlayer van der Waals interaction allows TMDs to adapt to a range of substrates. Unfortunately, the photons emitted from these TMD monolayers are difficult to efficiently collect into simple optics, reducing the practicality of these materials. The realization of on-chip optical devices for quantum information applications requires structures that maximize optical extraction efficiency while also minimizing substrate loss. In this work we propose a photonic crystal cavity based on silicon rods that allows maximal spatial and spectral coupling between TMD monolayers and the cavity mode. Finite difference time domain simulations revealed that TMDs coupled to this type of cavity have highly directional emission toward the collection optics, as well as up to 400% enhancement in luminescence intensity, compa...