Quantum Dot in Z-shaped Graphene Nanoribbon

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of quantum dots in Z-shaped graphene nanoribbon junctions, demonstrating their potential for nanoscale electronic device design despite structural irregularities.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method to trap quantum dots in Z-shaped graphene nanoribbons, resilient to disorder and edge irregularities, enabling new nanoscale electronic device applications.

Findings

Quantum dots can be trapped in Z-shaped graphene nanoribbon junctions.

Junction length controls the number of discrete energy levels.

Quantum dots are realizable despite substrate disorder and irregular edges.

Abstract

Stimulated by recent advances in isolating graphene, we discovered that quantum dot can be trapped in Z-shaped graphene nanoribbon junciton. The topological structure of the junction can confine electronic states completely. By varying junction length, we can alter the spatial confinement and the number of discrete levels within the junction. In addition, quantum dot can be realized regardless of substrate induced static disorder or irregular edges of the junction. This device can be used to easily design quantum dot devices. This platform can also be used to design zero-dimensional functional nanoscale electronic devices using graphene ribbons.