Abstract
Symmetry breaking in graphene has profound impacts on its physical properties. Here we emulate symmetry breaking in artificial graphene systems by assembling coronene molecules on a Cu(111) surface. We apply two strategies: (1) differentiating the on-site energy of two sublattices of a honeycomb lattice and (2) uniaxially compressing a honeycomb lattice. The first one breaks the inversion symmetry while the second one merges the Dirac cones. The scanning tunneling spectroscopy shows that in both cases the local density of states undergo characteristic changes. Muffin-tin simulations reveal that the observed changes are associated with a band gap opened at the Dirac point. Furthermore, we propose that using larger molecules or molecules strongly scattering the surface state electrons can induce an indirect gap.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
