Direct observation of layer skyrmions in twisted WSe2 bilayers

Condensed Matter Physics, two-dimensional materials, specifically twisted bilayer WSe2. The dominant paradigm is the study of quantum phenomena arising from topology and correlation in moiré materials.

This preprint presents a direct observation of a layer-skyrmion texture using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS), applied to twisted WSe2 bilayers. This observation confirms theoretical predictions of a skyrmion texture emerging from the layer degree of freedom. This confirmation strengthens the existing paradigm related to the study of strong correlation phenomena in twisted TMD homobilayers and adds to the growing body of work within this field. Thus, this work contributes to “normal science” within the established paradigm. It does not present anomalies that challenge the existing paradigm, nor does it propose a new paradigm. It verifies existing theoretical understanding within the field using advanced experimental techniques, which is characteristic of Kuhn's definition of normal science. While the findings are significant and contribute to a deeper understanding of the field, they do not represent a revolutionary shift in the current theoretical framework.