Fold-assisted transport in graphene systems

R. Carrillo-Bastos, C. León, D. Faria, A. Latgé, Eva Y. Andrei, N. Sandler

Published 2016-04-04Version 1

Deformations in graphene systems are central elements in the novel field of {\it straintronics}. Various strain geometries have been proposed to produce specific properties but their experimental realization has been limited. Because folds occur naturally in graphene samples, or could be engineered with appropriate substrates, we study their effects on graphene transport properties. We show the existence of an enhanced local density of states (LDOS) along the fold that originates from localization of higher energy states, and provides extra conductance channels at lower energies. In addition to exhibit sublattice symmetry breaking, these states are valley polarized, with quasi-ballistic properties in smooth disorder potentials. We confirmed that these results persist in the presence of strong edge disorder, making folds viable electronic waveguides. These findings could be tested in currently available experimental settings.