Double quantum dots in atomically-precise graphene nanoribbons

Abstract

Bottom-up synthesized graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are precise quantum materials, offering a high degree of tunability of their physical properties. While field-effect transistors and single quantum dot (QD) devices have been reported, the fabrication of double QD devices using GNRs remains challenging due to their nanometer-scale dimensions. In this study, we present a multi-gate double QD device based on atomically precise GNRs that are contacted by a pair of single-walled carbon nanotube electrodes. At low temperatures, the device can be tuned with multiple gates and reveals triangular features characteristic for charge transport through a double QD system. From these features, the QD level spacing, as well as the interdot tunnel coupling and lead-dot tunnel couplings are extracted. Double QD systems serve as essential building blocks for developing different types of qubits based on atomically precise GNRs.

Keywords

• graphene nanoribbons
• double quantum dots
• carbon nanotubes
• bias triangles
• excited states