Visualizing localized nematic states in twisted double bilayer graphene

Abstract

Direct visualization of the states originating from electron–electron interactions is of great importance for engineering the surface and interfacial properties of graphene-based quantum materials. For instance, the rotational symmetry breaking or nematic phase inferred from spectroscopic imaging has confirmed the existence of correlated states in a wide range of moiré materials. Here, we study the atomic-scale spatial distributions and symmetry of wave functions in gate-tunable twisted double bilayer graphene by employing scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy and continuum model calculations. A series of spectroscopic imaging analyses are used to identify dominant symmetry breaking of the emergent states. Interestingly, in non-integer hole fillings, a completely new localized electronic state with rotational symmetry breaking is observed on the left side of the valence flat band. The degree of anisotropy is found to increase from the conduction flat band through the valence flat band to the new state. Our results provide an essential microscopic insight into the flat band and its adjacent state for a full understanding of their electric field response in twisted graphene systems.