Quantum interference between dark-excitons and zone-edged acoustic phonons in few-layer WS 2

Fano resonance which describes a quantum interference between continuum and discrete states, provides a unique method for studying strongly interacting physics. Here, we report a Fano resonance between dark excitons and zone-edged acoustic phonons in few-layer WS 2 by using the resonant Raman technique. The discrete phonons with large momentum at the M-point of the Brillouin zone and the continuum dark exciton states related to the optically forbidden transition at K and Q valleys are coupled by the exciton-phonon interactions. We observe rich Fano resonance behaviors across layers and modes defined by an asymmetry-parameter q : including constructive interference with two mirrored asymmetry Fano peaks (weak coupling, q > 1 and q < − 1), and destructive interference with Fano dip (strong coupling, ∣ q ∣ < < 1). Our results provide new insight into the exciton-phonon quantum interference in two-dimensional semiconductors, where such interferences play a key role in their transport, optical, and thermodynamic properties.