Controlling the interferometers of zero-line modes in graphene by pseudomagnetic field

Abstract

Networks of graphene-based topological domain walls function as nano-scale interferometers of zero-line modes, with magnetic field and (or) scalar potential as the controlling parameters. In the absence of externally applied magnetic or electrical field, strain induces pseudomagnetic field and scalar potential in graphene, which could control the interferometers more efficiently. Two types of strains are considered: (i) horizontally bending the graphene nanoribbon into circular arc induces nearly uniform pseudomagnetic field; (ii) helicoidal graphene nanoribbon exhibit nonuniform pseudomagnetic field. Both types of strain induce small scalar potential due to dilatation. The interferometers are studied by transport calculation of the tight binding model. The transmission rates through the interferometer depend on the strain parameters. An interferometer with three loops is designed, which could completely switch the transmitting current from one export to the other.