半导体学报(英文版), 2017, 38(3): 53-58.
10.1088/1674-4926/38/3/031006
Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted extensive attention due to their many novel properties.The atoms within each layer in two-dimensional TMDs are joined together by covalent bonds,while van der Waals interactions combine the layers together.This makes its lattice dynamics layer-number dependent.The evolutions of ultralow frequency (< 50 cm-1) modes,such as shear and layer-breathing modes have been well-established.Here,we review the layer-number dependent high-frequency (> 50 cm-1) vibration modes in few-layer TMDs and demonstrate how the interlayer coupling leads to the splitting of high-frequency vibration modes,known as Davydov splitting.Such Davydov splitting can be well described by a van der Waals model,which directly links the splitting with the interlayer coupling.Our review expands the understanding on the effect of interlayer coupling on the high-frequency vibration modes in TMDs and other two-dimensional materials.