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Bright Electroluminescence from Single Graphene Nanoribbon Junctions
Michael C Chong1, Nasima Afshar-Imani1, Fabrice Scheurer1
1Université de Strasbourg , CNRS, IPCMS, UMR 7504, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
Nano Letters
|December 8, 2017
Summary
Individual graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) demonstrate tunable red light emission in a nanoscale circuit. This study reveals light emission from GNR termini, paving the way for controllable graphene-based light-emitting devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) offer tunable band gaps for light emission.
- Experimental studies on GNR optical properties are limited, especially in integrated circuits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electroluminescence of individual GNRs in a functional optoelectronic circuit.
- To explore voltage-tunable optical properties and emission mechanisms in GNRs.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a nanoscale optoelectronic circuit using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) tip and a Au(111) substrate with individual GNRs.
- Experimental measurement of electroluminescence spectra from GNR junctions.
- Theoretical analysis using ab initio calculations.
Main Results:
- Observed bright, narrow-band red light emission from individual GNRs.
- Demonstrated voltage-tunable emission energy, consistently below the band gap of infinite GNRs.
- Identified electronic states localized at GNR termini as the source of emission.
Conclusions:
- Individual GNRs can function as light-emitting elements in nanoscale circuits.
- Emission originates from unpredicted electronic states at GNR termini.
- Results offer a pathway for developing bright, robust, and tunable graphene-based light-emitting devices.
