Applicability of strain-mediated electron–phonon coupling modulation in C60 films

Determine whether strain modulates the electron–phonon coupling strength in C60 films, as it does in some other quantum materials, in order to clarify the origin of the thickness dependence of electron–phonon coupling.

Background

The paper observes that electron–phonon-induced spectral renormalization varies non-monotonically with C60 film thickness and is strongest at intermediate thickness. The authors identify strain as one possible mechanism because compressive strain can alter intermolecular distances, electronic overlap, and electron–phonon coupling in other quantum materials.

However, the paper does not establish whether this strain-mediated mechanism applies to C60 films. Other possible contributions discussed include thickness-dependent interlayer effects, substrate-induced charge transfer, and disorder, so determining the role of strain is necessary for resolving the microscopic origin of the thickness-dependent electron–phonon coupling.

References

One plausible contribution is strain, which has been shown to modulate electron-phonon coupling strength in some quantum materials. Whether this mechanism also applies to C$_{60}$ films remains an open question.

— Layer-Controlled Intermolecular Coupling and Many-Body Effects in C$_{60}$ Films  (2608.28583 - Luo et al., 28 Aug 2026) in Discussion, paragraph beginning “The origin of the thickness dependence of electron-phonon coupling likely involves multiple factors.”