Conductance modulation in bilayer graphene nanoribbons

Abstract

<p>The quantum conductance of single and bilayer graphene nanoribbons (GNR's) are studied for both armchair and zigzag edge structures with finite widths. The conductances are calculated by using the Green's function formalism combined with a density function theory based tight-binding method for the description of the system. Four types of stacking configurations are considered for bilayer nanoribbons with armchair and zigzag edge and quantum conductances were calculated for these systems. Our results reveal that, most stable bilayer structures of AGNR and ZGNR are semiconducting with a band gap of 0.090 eV and 0.054 eV respectively. Interesting modulation effects are seen and can be attributed to inter-layer interactions between electronic states. We discuss possible applications of these results in characterization of and device design based on graphene nanoribbons.</p><p>This presentation occurred at the Wright State University Campus-Wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 8, 2011</p>