Graphene-Based Nano-Electro-Mechanical Switch with High On/Off Ratio

Locally defined nanomembrane structures can be produced in graphene films on a SiC substrate with atomic steps. The contact conductance between graphene and a metal-coated nanoprobe in scanning probe microscopy can be drastically reduced by inducing local buckling of the membranes. Repeatable current switching with high reproducibility can be realized. The on/off ratio can be varied from about 105 to below 10 by changing the contact force. At a low contact force, the contact conductance changes from 10μS (‘‘ON’’ state) to 100pS (‘‘OFF’’ state). This novel device structure could represent a new path to electrical switching at the nanoscale.

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