k-Resolved Ultrafast Light-Induced Band Renormalization in Monolayer WS2 on Graphene

Abstract

Understanding and controlling the electronic properties of two-dimensional materials are crucial for their potential applications in nano- and optoelectronics. Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides have garnered significant interest due to their strong light–matter interaction and extreme sensitivity of the band structure to the presence of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. In this study, we investigate the transient electronic structure of monolayer WS₂ on a graphene substrate after resonant excitation of the A-exciton using time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We observe a pronounced band structure renormalization, including a substantial reduction of the transient band gap in good quantitative agreement with our ab initio theory, revealing the importance of both intrinsic WS₂ and extrinsic substrate contributions. Our findings deepen the fundamental understanding of band structure dynamics in two-dimensional materials and offer valuable insights for the development of novel electronic and optoelectronic devices based on monolayer TMDs and their heterostructures with graphene.