Mechanically-induced transport switching effect in graphene-based nanojunctions

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • T. Kawai - , NEC Corporation (Author)
  • M. Poetschke - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Y. Miyamoto - , National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (Author)
  • C. G. Rocha - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • S. Roche - , TUD Dresden University of Technology, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Autonomous University of Barcelona, ICREA (Author)
  • G. Cuniberti - , Chair of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Div IT Convergence Engn (Author)

Abstract

We report a theoretical study suggesting a novel type of electronic switching effect, driven by the geometrical reconstruction of nanoscale graphene-based junctions. We considered junction structures that have alternative metastable configurations transformed by rotations of local carbon dimers. The use of external mechanical strain allows a control of the energy-barrier heights of the potential profiles and also changes the reaction character from endothermic to exothermic or vice versa. The reshaping of the atomic details of the junction encode binary electronic "on" or "off" states, with on/off transmission ratio that can reach up to 10(4)-10(5). Our results suggest the possibility to design modern logical switching devices or mechanophore sensors, monitored by mechanical strain and structural rearrangements.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number241405(R)
Number of pages4
JournalPhysical review. B
Volume83
Issue number24
Publication statusPublished - 23 Jun 2011
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

WOS 000291984500002
Scopus 79961217046

Keywords

Keywords

  • Molecular switch, Nanoribbons, Contact, Carbon