Atomic-scale manipulation of buried graphene–silicon carbide interface by local electric field

Kolmer, Marek; Hall, Joseph; Chen, Shen; Roberts, Samuel; Fei, Zhe; Han, Yong; Tringides, Michael C.

doi:10.1038/s42005-023-01515-3

Title: Atomic-scale manipulation of buried graphene–silicon carbide interface by local electric field

Journal Article · 05 January 2024 · Communications Physics

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42005-023-01515-3 · OSTI ID:2279072

; Hall, Joseph;

; Roberts, Samuel;

;

; Tringides, Michael C.

Abstract Precision of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) enables control of matter at scales of single atoms. However, transition from atomic-scale manipulation strategies to practical devices encounters fundamental problems in protection of the designer structures formed atop the surface. In this context, STM manipulation of subsurface structures on technologically relevant materials is encouraging. Here, we propose a material platform and protocols for precise manipulation of a buried graphene interface. We show that an electric field from the STM tip reversibly controls breaking and restoring of covalent bonds between the graphene buffer layer and the SiC substrate. The process involves charge redistribution at the atomically sharp interface plane under the epitaxial graphene layer(s). This buried manipulation platform is laterally defined by unit cells from the corresponding (6×6) _SiC moiré lattice of the epitaxial graphene. Local and reversible electric-field-induced patterning of graphene heterostructures from the bottom interface creates an alternative architecture concept for their applications.

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Research Organization:: Ames Laboratory (AMES), Ames, IA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE; USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC02-05CH11231; AC02-07CH11358

OSTI ID:: 2279072

Report Number(s):: IS-J-- 11,230; 16; PII: 1515

Journal Information:: Communications Physics, Journal Name: Communications Physics Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 7; ISSN 2399-3650

Publisher:: Springer NatureCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United Kingdom

Language:: English

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