Strain-Dependent Splitting of the Double-Resonance Raman Scattering Band in Graphene

Under homogeneous uniaxial strains, the Raman 2D band of graphene involving two-phonon double-resonance scattering processes splits into two peaks and they altogether redshift strongly depending on the direction and magnitude of the strain. Through polarized micro-Raman measurements and first-principles calculations, the effects are shown to originate from significant changes in resonant conditions owing to both the distorted Dirac cones and anisotropic modifications of phonon dispersion under uniaxial strains. Quantitative agreements between the calculation and experiment enable us to determine the dominant double-resonance Raman scattering path, thereby answering a fundamental question concerning this key experimental analyzing tool for graphitic systems.