arXiv subjects

Zhengfei Wang

Publications and source records attributed to Zhengfei Wang.

21 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2013

Strain gauge fields for rippled graphene membranes under central mechanical load: an approach beyond first-order continuum elasticity

We study the electronic properties of rippled freestanding graphene membranes under central load from a sharp tip. To that end, we develop a gauge field theory on a honeycomb lattice valid beyond the continuum theory. Based on the proper phase conjugation of the tight-binding pseudospin Hamiltonian, we develop a method to determine conditions under which continuum elasticity can be used to extract gauge fields from strain. Along the way, we resolve a recent controversy on the theory of strain engineering in graphene: There are no K-point dependent gauge fields. We combine this lattice gauge field theory with atomistic calculations and find that for moderate load, the rippled graphene membranes conform to the extruding tip without significant increase of elastic energy. Mechanical strain is created on a membrane only after a certain amount of load is exerted. In addition, we find that the deformation potential --even when partially screened-- induces qualitative changes on the electronic spectra, with Landau levels giving way to equally-spaced peaks.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2011

Quantum Stress: Density Functional Theory Formulation and Physical Manifestation

The concept of "quantum stress (QS)" is introduced and formulated within density functional theory (DFT), to elucidate extrinsic electronic effects on the stress state of solids and thin films in the absence of lattice strain. A formal expression of QS (σ^Q) is derived in relation to deformation potential of electronic states (Ξ) and variation of electron density (Δn), σ^Q = ΞΔn, as a quantum analog of classical Hook's law. Two distinct QS manifestations are demonstrated quantitatively by DFT calculations: (1) in the form of bulk stress induced by charge carriers; and (2) in the form of surface stress induced by quantum confinement. Implications of QS in some physical phenomena are discussed to underlie its importance.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2006

Analytical Study of Electronic Structure in Armchair Graphene Nanoribbons

We present the analytical solution of the wavefunction and energy dispersion of armchair graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) based on the tight-binding approximation. By imposing hard-wall boundary condition, we find that the wavevector in the confined direction is discretized. This discrete wavevector serves as the index of different subbands. Our analytical solutions of wavefunction and associated energy dispersion reproduce the numerical tight-binding results and the solutions based on the k*p approximation. In addition, we also find that all armchair GNRs with edge deformation have energy gaps, which agrees with recently reported first-principles calculations.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗