arXiv subjects

Antonio J. Martínez-Galera

Publications and source records attributed to Antonio J. Martínez-Galera.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Resolving the Structural Duality of Graphene Grain Boundaries

Grain boundaries (GBs) are ubiquitous in large-scale graphene samples, playing a crucial role in their overall performance. Due to their complexity, they are usually investigated as model structures, under the assumption of a fully relaxed interface. Here, we present cantilever-based non-contact atomic force microscopy (ncAFM) as a suitable technique to resolve, atom by atom, the complete structure of these linear defects. Our experimental findings reveal a richer scenario than expected, with the coexistence of energetically stable and metastable graphene GBs. Although both GBs are structurally composed of pentagonal and heptagonal like rings, they can be differentiated by the irregular geometric shapes present in the metastable boundaries. Theoretical modeling and simulated ncAFM images, accounting for the experimental data, show that metastable GBs form under compressive uniaxial strain and exhibit vertical corrugation, whereas stable GBs remain in a fully relaxed, flat configuration. By locally introducing energy with the AFM tip, we show the possibility to manipulate the metastable GBs, driving them toward their minimum energy configuration. Notably, our high-resolution ncAFM images reveal a clear dichotomy: while the structural distortions of metastable grain boundaries are confined to just a few atoms, their impact on graphene's properties extends over significantly larger length scales.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2017

Strong-coupling charge density wave in a one-dimensional topological metal

Scanning tunnelling microscopy and low energy electron diffraction show a dimerization-like reconstruction in the one-dimensional atomic chains on Bi(114) at low temperatures. While one-dimensional systems are generally unstable against such a distortion, its observation is not expected for this particular surface, since there are several factors that should prevent it: One is the particular spin texture of the Fermi surface, which resembles a one-dimensional topological state, and spin protection should hence prevent the formation of the reconstruction. The second is the very short nesting vector $2 k_F$, which is inconsistent with the observed lattice distortion. A nesting-driven mechanism of the reconstruction is indeed excluded by the absence of any changes in the electronic structure near the Fermi surface, as observed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. However, distinct changes in the electronic structure at higher binding energies are found to accompany the structural phase transition. This, as well as the observed short correlation length of the pairing distortion, suggest that the transition is of the strong coupling type and driven by phonon entropy rather than electronic entropy.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Tuning the van der Waals Interaction of Graphene with Molecules via Doping

We use scanning tunneling microscopy to visualize and thermal desorption spectroscopy to quantitatively measure that the binding of naphthalene molecules to graphene (Gr), a case of pure van der Waals (vdW) interaction, strengthens with $n$- and weakens with $p$-doping of Gr. Density functional theory calculations that include the vdW interaction in a seamless, ab initio way accurately reproduce the observed trend in binding energies. Based on a model calculation, we propose that the vdW interaction is modified by changing the spatial extent of Gr's $π$ orbitals via doping.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Xe Irradiation of Graphene on Ir(111): From Trapping to Blistering

Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermal desorption spectroscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy we show that upon keV Xe + irradiation of graphene on Ir(111), Xe atoms are trapped under the graphene. Upon annealing, aggregation of Xe leads to graphene bulges and blisters. The efficient trapping is an unexpected and remarkable phenomenon, given the absence of chemical binding of Xe to Ir and to graphene, the weak interaction of a perfect graphene layer with Ir(111), as well as the substantial damage to graphene due to irradiation. By combining molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations with our experiments, we uncover the mechanism of trapping. We describe ways to avoid blister formation during graphene growth, and also demonstrate how ion implantation can be used to intentionally create blisters without introducing damage to the graphene layer. Our approach may provide a pathway to synthesize new materials at a substrate - 2D material interface or to enable confined reactions at high pressures and temperatures.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2014

Europium Underneath Graphene on Ir(111): Intercalation Mechanism, Magnetism, and Band Structure

The intercalation of Eu underneath Gr on Ir(111) is comprehensively investigated by microscopic, magnetic, and spectroscopic measurements, as well as by density functional theory. Depending on the coverage, the intercalated Eu atoms form either a $(2 \times 2)$ or a $(\sqrt{3} \times \sqrt{3})$R$30^{\circ}$ superstructure with respect to Gr. We investigate the mechanisms of Eu penetration through a nominally closed Gr sheet and measure the electronic structures and magnetic properties of the two intercalation systems. Their electronic structures are rather similar. Compared to Gr on Ir(111), the Gr bands in both systems are essentially rigidly shifted to larger binding energies resulting in n-doping. The hybridization of the Ir surface state $S_1$ with Gr states is lifted, and the moire superperiodic potential is strongly reduced. In contrast, the magnetic behavior of the two intercalation systems differs substantially as found by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism. The $(2 \times 2)$ Eu structure displays plain paramagnetic behavior, whereas for the $(\sqrt{3} \times \sqrt{3})$R$30^{\circ}$ structure the large zero-field susceptibility indicates ferromagnetic coupling, despite the absence of hysteresis at 10 K. For the latter structure, a considerable easy-plane magnetic anisotropy is observed and interpreted as shape anisotropy.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗