Journal article · Preprint article
Atomic carbon chains as spin-transmitters: An ab initio transport study
An atomic carbon chain joining two graphene flakes was recently realized in a ground-breaking experiment by Jin et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., 102 (2009) 205501). We present ab initio results for the electron transport properties of such chains and demonstrate complete spin-polarization of the transmission in large energy ranges.
The effect is due to the spin-polarized zig-zag edge terminating each graphene flake causing a spin-splitting of the graphene pi(z) bands, and the chain states. Transmission occurs when the graphene p-states resonate with similar states in the strongly hybridized edges and chain. This effect should in general hold for any p-conjugated molecules bridging the zig-zag edges of graphene electrodes.
The polarization of the transmission can be controlled by chemically or mechanically modifying the molecule, or by applying an electrical gate.
Language: | English |
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Publisher: | IOP Publishing |
Year: | 2010 |
Pages: | 37002 (5pp) |
ISSN: | 12864854 and 02955075 |
Types: | Journal article and Preprint article |
DOI: | 10.1209/0295-5075/91/37002 |
ORCIDs: | Brandbyge, Mads and Jauho, Antti-Pekka |