Third edge for a graphene nanoribbon: A tight-binding model calculation

The electronic and transport properties of an extended linear defect embedded in a zigzag nanoribbon of realistic width are studied within a tight-binding model approach. Our results suggest that such a defect profoundly modifies the properties of the nanoribbon, introducing new conductance quantization values and modifying the conductance quantization thresholds. The linear defect along the nanoribbon behaves as an effective third edge of the system, which shows a metallic behavior, giving rise to new conduction pathways that could be used in nanoscale circuitry as a quantum wire.