Dense network of one-dimensional mid-gap metallic modes in monolayer MoSe2 and their spatial undulations

Abstract: We report the observation of a dense triangular network of one-dimensional (1D) metallic modes in a continuous and uniform monolayer of MoSe2 grown by molecular-beam epitaxy. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS) studies show these 1D modes are mid-gap states at inversion domain boundaries. STM/STS measurements further reveal intensity undulations of the metallic modes, presumably arising from the superlattice potentials due to moire pattern and the quantum confinement effect. A dense network of the metallic modes with high density of states is of great potential for heterocatalysis applications. The interconnection of such mid-gap 1D conducting channels may also imply new transport behaviors distinct from the 2D bulk.