Experimental Studies of Graphene Layers

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-----------------Technical abstract---------------------Graphene, the recently isolated two dimensional crystal of carbon, possesses extraordinary electronic properties arising from a low energy excitation spectrum which mimics ultra relativistic particles. This makes it possible to achieve high quality field-effect transistors and to observe the quantum Hall effect at room-temperature. The object of this work is to access the intrinsic properties of graphene by isolating it from the environment and to explore the emergence of new physical phenomena in response to the controlled introduction of chemical or mechanical perturbations. We will seek to understand and minimize environmental effects on the electronic properties by exploring the influence of various substrates as well as that of removing the substrate altogether. We will explore the role of interactions, boundaries, magnetic field and dopants on the quasiparticle spectrum in search of emergent phases and new physical properties. We will investigate the feasibility of fabricating graphene nano-devices based on these properties. The primary experimental probes in this project include scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy atomic force microscopy and magneto-transport. Work on this project will be carried out with the active participation of students at the undergraduate and graduate level and with post doctoral fellows. ----------Non-technical abstract------------------------ The recent discovery of graphene, a two-dimensional crystal consisting of a single atomic plane of graphite, gives access to extraordinary electronic properties arising from charge carriers that mimic ultra-relativistic particles. Because of the low dimensionality and the possibility of attaining charge transport with exceptionally high carrier mobility, graphene holds the promise of becoming the building block for a new generation of nanoelectronics devices. The goal of this project is to access the intrinsic properties of graphene by isolating it from the environment and to explore the emergence of new physical phenomena and new phases of matter in response to the controlled introduction of chemical or mechanical perturbations. We will explore the feasibility of fabricating graphene nano-devices based on these properties. The primary experimental probes will include scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and magneto-transport. Work on this project will be carried out with the active participation of students at the undergraduate and graduate level. Work on this project will be carried out with the active participation of students at the undergraduate, graduate and post doctoral levels. They will receive training in cutting edge research and in the use of state of the art equipment that will prepare them for filling demanding technical and research positions.