Spin confinement in the superlattices of graphene ribbons
Date
2008Source Title
Applied Physics Letters
Print ISSN
0003-6951
Publisher
AIP Publishing
Volume
92
Issue
17
Pages
173118-1 - 173118-3
Language
English
Type
ArticleItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
Based on first-principles calculations, we showed that repeated heterostructures of zigzag graphene nanoribbons of different widths form multiple quantum well structures. Edge states of specific spin directions can be confined in these wells. The electronic and magnetic state of the ribbon can be modulated in real space. In specific geometries, the absence of reflection symmetry causes the magnetic ground state of whole heterostructure to change from antiferromagnetic to ferrimagnetic. These quantum structures of different geometries provide unique features for spintronic applications.
Keywords
AntiferromagnetismGround state
Heterojunctions
Magnetoelectronics
Semiconductor quantum wells
Superlattices
Graphene nanoribbons
Magnetic states
Spin confinement
Spin directions
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