Electronic structure of graphene nanoflakes

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Carsten Busse
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2008 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 107727856

Graphene is in the center of many ongoing research activities, due to its fascinating electronic properties and its potential for a new carbon-based electronics. In view of applications and system integration, nanostructured graphene will be necessary. Most interestingly, nanostructured graphene can show an electronic bandgap in contrast to extended graphene, potentially reducing the leakage currents in graphene-based transistors. Furthermore, a spin-polarized state exists at the edges of graphene nanostructures which could give rise to spin-selective transport. It is in the focus of the present proposal to perform fundamental research related to nano-structured graphene. The objectives are to establish fabrication methods for nanostructured graphene, determine the electronic structure of nanostructured graphene with special emphasis on the spin-polarized electronic edge state and its manipulation, and investigate how to chemically modify graphene edges in order to bestow them with addi-tional functions.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Persons: Professor Dr. Klaus Meerholz; Professor Dr. Thomas Werner Michely