Modeling of inter-ribbon tunneling in graphene

TL;DR

This paper models the tunneling current between crossed graphene ribbons using empirical pseudopotential and Bardeen transfer methods, highlighting the role of density of states and resonant tunneling due to graphene's quasi-one-dimensional structure.

Contribution

It introduces a model for inter-ribbon tunneling in graphene using empirical pseudopotential and Bardeen methods, emphasizing the importance of density of states and resonant effects.

Findings

Density of states is key to tunneling current.

Resonant tunneling occurs due to graphene's quasi-one-dimensionality.

Small (nm-scale) ribbons exhibit significant tunneling effects.

Abstract

The tunneling current between two crossed graphene ribbons is described invoking the empirical pseudopotential approximation and the Bardeen transfer Hamiltonian method. Results indicate that the density of states is the most important factor determining the tunneling current between small (nm) ribbons. The quasi-one dimensional nature of graphene nanoribbons is shown to result in resonant tunneling.