Topological Solitons in Square-root Graphene Nanoribbons Controlled by Electric Fields

• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2406.13978
• Publication Date: 2024-06-19
• Authors: Haiyue Huang; Mamun Sarker; Percy Zahl; C. Stephen Hellberg; Jeremy Levy; Ioannis Petrides; Alexander Sinitskii; Prineha Narang
• Keywords: Square (algebra); Square root

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are unique quasi-one-dimensional (1D) materials that have garnered a lot of research interest in the field topological insulators. While phases exhibited by GNRs primarily governed their chemical structures, ability to externally control these is crucial for potential utilization quantum electronics and spintronics. Here we propose class featured mirror symmetry four zigzag segments unit cell has properties induced controlled an applied electric field. Their band structures manifest two finite gaps which support solitons, as described effective square-root model. To demonstrate experimental feasibility, design synthesize representative partially chevron-type GNR (pzc-GNR) with desired using bottom-up approach. First-principles calculations on pzc-GNR reveal inversions at switching direction field, accordance predictions from Hamiltonian. We show different can be achieved controlling system GNRs. Consequently, upon adding step-function solitons states generated domain wall. discuss types soliton states, depending whether terminating commensurate symmetric.