Tuning laser-induced bandgaps in graphene

TL;DR

This paper predicts that mid-infrared laser fields can induce and tune observable bandgaps in graphene's electronic structure, providing a pathway for designing tunable opto-electronic devices.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical approach combining Floquet theory and Green's functions to demonstrate laser-induced tunable bandgaps in graphene.

Findings

Laser fields in the mid-infrared range can produce observable bandgaps in graphene.

Bandgap size can be tuned by adjusting laser polarization.

The results guide the design of opto-electronic nano-devices.

Abstract

Could a laser field lead to the much sought-after tunable bandgaps in graphene? By using Floquet theory combined with Green's functions techniques, we predict that a laser field in the mid-infrared range can produce observable bandgaps in the electronic structure of graphene. Furthermore, we show how they can be tuned by using the laser polarization. Our results could serve as a guidance to design opto-electronic nano-devices.