A Mechanically Tunable Quantum Dot in a Graphene Break Junction

Graphene quantum dots (QDs) are intensively studied as platforms for the next generation of quantum electronic devices. Fine tuning of the transport properties in monolayer graphene QDs, in particular with respect to the independent modulation of the tunnel barrier transparencies, remains challenging and is typically addressed using electrostatic gating. We investigate charge transport in back-gated graphene mechanical break junctions and reveal Coulomb blockade physics characteristic of a single, high-quality QD when a nanogap is opened in a graphene constriction. By mechanically controlling the distance across the newly formed graphene nanogap, we achieve reversible tunability of the tunnel coupling to the drain electrode by 5 orders of magnitude, while keeping the source-QD tunnel coupling constant. The break junction device can therefore become a powerful platform to study the physical parameters that are crucial to the development of future graphene-based devices, including energy converters and quantum calorimeters.