Gauge fields, ripples and wrinkles in graphene layers

TL;DR

This paper investigates how elastic deformations in graphene generate effective gauge fields, leading to ripples and wrinkles that influence electronic properties and mechanical stability.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of how substrate-induced stresses and tension cause ripples and wrinkles in graphene, affecting its electronic and mechanical behavior.

Findings

Corrugations induce gauge fields affecting charge carriers.

Substrate stresses can cause mechanical instabilities and wrinkles.

Tension in suspended graphene can lead to similar effects.

Abstract

We analyze elastic deformations of graphene sheets which lead to effective gauge fields acting on the charge carriers. Corrugations in the substrate induce stresses, which, in turn, can give rise to mechanical instabilities and the formation of wrinkles. Similar effects may take place in suspended graphene samples under tension.