Contrasting $\Gamma$- and K-Valley Moir\'e Physics in Twisted Monolayer/Bilayer WSe$_2$

Abstract

Electronic orbital character plays a central role in determining electronic correlations, spin-orbit coupling, dimensionality, and ultimately the quantum phases of condensed-matter systems. Two-dimensional moir\'e materials have emerged as highly tunable platforms for exploring correlated phenomena, but the role of orbital degrees of freedom remains largely unexplored. Here, we identify twisted monolayer/bilayer WSe$_2$ as a platform in which displacement-field tuning enables moir\'e physics to be realized in both the $K$ and $\Gamma$ valleys. The distinct orbital characters of these valleys give rise to contrasting correlated phases at moir\'e filling factors $\nu=1$ and $\nu=1/3$. At $\nu=1$, the $K$-valley state is a weak insulator, consistent with an antiferromagnetic state near a van Hove singularity in the intermediate-coupling regime, similar to that observed in twisted bilayer WSe$_2$. In contrast, the $\Gamma$-valley state exhibits a pronounced Pomeranchuk effect, consistent with proximity to a Mott transition. At $\nu=1/3$, the $K$ valley hosts a robust generalized Wigner crystal, whereas the $\Gamma$-valley state lies near the crystallization boundary and again exhibits a Pomeranchuk effect, with localization enhanced by increasing temperature or magnetic field. Our work highlights the importance of orbital character in defining quantum phases in moir\'e systems, and identify the $\Gamma$ valley as a promising platform for exploring correlated phenomena near quantum phase transitions, where competing phases and enhanced fluctuations may give rise to unconventional phases.