Semiconductor-to-metal transition in the bulk of WSe2 upon potassium intercalation

Abstract

We present electron energy-loss spectroscopic measurements of potassium (K) intercalated tungsten diselenide (WSe2). After exposure of pristine WSe2 films to potassium, we observe a charge carrier plasmon excitation at about 0.97 eV, which indicates a semiconductor-to-metal transition. Our data reveal the formation of one particular doped K-WSe2 phase. A Kramers-Kronig analysis allows the determination of the dielectric function and the estimation of the composition of K0.6WSe2. Momentum dependent measurements reveal a substantial plasmon dispersion to higher energies.