Few layered MoS2 lithography with an AFM tip: description of the technique and nanospectroscopy investigations

Abstract

A novel technique to lithograph the MoS₂ surface is described here. Mechanically exfoliated MoS₂ flakes have been patterned with an atomic force microscope tip. After the patterning process, the lithographed areas have been removed by selective chemical etching. The electronic properties of the MoS₂ flakes have been analyzed with spatially resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, with tunable incident photon energy, provided by a synchrotron light source. Tens of meV core level shifts can be recorded in relation to the flakes edges, coming from both the exfoliation and from the lithography.