From the 2D graphene honeycomb lattice to 1D nanoribbons: dimensional crossover signals in the structural thermal fluctuations

SEBASTIÁN COSTAMAGNA; ARIEL DOBRY

Texas

Congreso; March Meeting 2011; 2011

The American Physical Society

We study the dimensional crossover from 2D to 1D type behavior, which take place in the thermal excited rippling of a graphene honeycomb lattice, when one of the dimensions of the layer is reduced. Through a joint study, by Monte Carlo (MC) atomistic simulations using a quasi-harmonic potential and analytical calculation, we find that the normal-normal correlation function does not change its power law behavior in the long wavelength limit. However the system size dependency of the square of the out of plane displacement hh2i changes its scaling behavior when going from a layer to a nanoribbon. We show that a new scaling law appear which correspond to a truly 1D behavior and we estimate the ratio of the sample dimensions where the crossover take place as R2D$1D 1.609. Having explored a wide number of realistic systems size, we conclude that narrow ribbons presents strongest corrugations than the square graphene sheets and we discuss the implications for the electronic properties of freestanding graphene systems.