Local electronic edge states of graphene layer deposited on Ir(111) surface studied by STM/CITS

Scanning tunnelling microscopy and current imaging tunnelling spectroscopy were used to observe electronic structure of the edges of monolayer graphite film deposited on the Ir(1 1 1) surface. The electronic structure derived from the tunnelling spectra revealed peak in electron local density of states very close to the Fermi level. This electronic state was interpreted in terms of localised edge state caused by the topology of the pi electrons networks typical for the zig-zag edges. The observed maximum of local density of states at about 0.2 eV above the Fermi level was ascribed to the presence of resonant state caused by the appearance of disclinations centres in the vicinity of the graphite edges. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.