Creating and probing graphene based devices using scanning probe microscopy

本研究的目的是了解石墨烯基电子器件中的基本输运和散射现象。方法是结合扫描探针显微镜和电输运测量来创建和探测这些设备的局部电子特性。知识优势：石墨烯有望在未来的半导体技术中增强硅。然而，作为一种无间隙半导体，它不能直接用于数字电子。这种限制可以通过将石墨烯图像化成窄条来打开一个受控带隙来克服。本研究将探索利用扫描探针显微镜的原子控制来制造这些纳米带的方法。除了制造这些设备之外，该研究还将研究缺陷、边缘粗糙度、表面形貌和带电杂质对纳米带电子特性的影响。此外，扫描探针显微镜技术发展在这个建议可以扩展到研究其他低维系统。更广泛的影响：这项研究可能会导致由石墨烯而不是硅制成的全新类型的电子设备。这些器件可以显著扩展当前半导体器件的性能。一个同步的教育和推广计划将包括对本科生和研究生的培训，以及通过创建一套基于研究的示范来推广到当地的K-12学校。与当地学校的接触将主要涉及代表性不足的群体，并激发他们在年轻时对纳米科学的兴趣。

The objective of this research is to understand the fundamental transport and scattering phenomena in graphene based electronic devices. The approach is to combine scanning probe microscopy and electrical transport measurements to both create and probe the local electronic properties of these devices.Intellectual Merit: Graphene has shown promise to augment silicon in future semiconductor technologies. However, as a gapless semiconductor it is not directly useable in digital electronics. This limitation can be overcome by opening a controlled bandgap by patterning the graphene into narrow strips. This research will explore ways of creating these nanoribbons with atomic control using scanning probe microscopy. Beyond creating these devices, the research will also examine the role of defects, edge roughness, surface morphology and charged impurities on the electronic properties of the nanoribbons. Furthermore, the scanning probe microscopy techniques developed in this proposal may be extended to study other low-dimensional systems.Broader Impacts: This research may lead to entirely new types of electronics devices made from graphene rather than silicon. These devices may significantly extend the capabilities of current semiconductor devices. A concurrent education and outreach program will involve the training of both undergraduate and graduate students and well as outreach to local K-12 schools through the creation of a set of demonstrations based on the research. The outreach to local schools will primarily reach under-represented groups and excite them about nanoscience at a young age.