Nanometer wide ribbons and triangles by STM lithography of graphene

Abstract

In this article, we present a method, which is suitable for the realization of graphene-based nanostructures by scanning tunneling microscopy lithography. Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) and other more complicated nanoarchitectures like: GNR networks, triangular quantum-billiards, etc. can be created with controlled shape and crystallographic orientation. The cutting process operates with nanometer accuracy. After the lithography process the same STM tip is suitable for acquiring atomic resolution images on the nanoarchitectures created by STM lithography. The experimental observation of long range electronic superstructures indicates the long phase coherence length in graphene nanostructures even at room temperature.