Reverse strain-induced snake states in graphene nanoribbons

Strain can tailor the band structures and properties of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with the well-known emergent pseudomagnetic fields and the corresponding pseudo Landau levels. We design one type of the zigzag GNR with reverse strains, producing pseudomagnetic fields with opposite signs in the lower and upper half planes. Therefore, electrons propagate along the interface as ???snake states,??? experiencing opposite Lorentz forces as they cross the zero field border line. By using the Landauer-B??ttiker formalism combined with the nonequilibrium Green???s function method, the existence and robustness of the reverse strain-induced snake states are further studied. Furthermore, the realization of long-thought pure valley currents in monolayer graphene systems is also proposed in our device.

Automated summary

Strain has been found to affect the band structures and properties of graphene nanoribbons, generating pseudomagnetic fields and pseudo Landau levels. By designing specific strains, reverse pseudomagnetic fields with opposite signs can be produced, allowing electrons to propagate along the interface as "snake states". Furthermore, the possibility of achieving pure valley currents in monolayer graphene systems is proposed.