Dynamical control of nanoscale electron density in atomically thin n-type semiconductors via nano-electric pulse generator | Science Advances

Controlling electron density in two-dimensional semiconductors is crucial for both comprehensive understanding of fundamental material properties and their technological applications. However, conventional electrostatic doping methods exhibit limitations, particularly in addressing electric field–induced drift and subsequent diffusion of electrons, which restrict nanoscale doping. Here, we present a tip-induced nanospectroscopic electric pulse modulator to dynamically control nanoscale electron density, thereby facilitating precise measurement of nano-optoelectronic behaviors within a MoS ₂ monolayer. The tip-induced electric pulse enables nanoscale modulation of electron distribution as a function of electric pulse width. We simultaneously investigate spatially altering photoluminescence quantum yield at the nanoscale region. We model the extent of electron depletion region, confirming a minimum doping region with a radius of ∼265 nanometers for a 30-nanosecond pulse width. Our approach paves the way for engineering local electron density and in situ nano-optical characterization in two-dimensional materials, enabling an in-depth understanding of doping-dependent nano-optoelectronic phenomena.