Charge density wave in graphene: magnetic-field-induced Peierls instability

TL;DR

This paper proposes that a magnetic-field-induced Peierls instability causes a charge density wave in graphene, explaining unexpected quantum Hall plateaus observed at high magnetic fields.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mechanism linking magnetic fields to lattice distortion and charge density waves in graphene, supported by comparison with alternative theories.

Findings

Identification of a Peierls instability as the cause of CDW in graphene

Explanation of quantum Hall plateau anomalies at high magnetic fields

Discussion of alternative microscopic scenarios

Abstract

We suggest that a magnetic-field-induced Peierls instability accounts for the recent experiment of Zhang et al. in which unexpected quantum Hall plateaus were observed at high magnetic fields in graphene on a substrate. This Peierls instability leads to an out-of-plane lattice distortion resulting in a charge density wave (CDW) on sublattices A and B of the graphene honeycomb lattice. We also discuss alternative microscopic scenarios proposed in the literature and leading to a similar CDW ground state in graphene.