Extreme pseudomagnetic fields in carbon nanocones by simple loads

Abstract

Controllable creation of strain pattern in graphene's lattice is ideal for achieving intriguing pseudomagnetic field but remains challenging due to high in-plane stiffness of graphene. Using continuum theory and atomistic simulations, we show that carbon nanocones exhibit a peculiar electromechanical coupling that yields extreme pseudomagnetic fields by simple loads. Vertically pressing the nanocone by ∼2% creates well-defined strain pattern that leads electrons to behave as if under the influence of magnetic fields up to 600 Telsa. Moreover, the strain gradient can be tailored by varying the cone's geometry to achieve controlled distribution of pseudomagnetic fields over a large area. Since synthesis of nanocones of various materials has been mature, the proposed approach is further extendable to other two-dimensional materials towards their electronic modulation by inhomogeneous strain.