Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have made a groundbreaking discovery in graphene research, uncovering a new phenomenon that could revolutionize the development of advanced quantum technologies. Graphene, a material known for its exceptional properties, has been found to naturally form specific stacking arrangements in three-layer epitaxial graphene systems. These self-organized ABA and ABC stacking domains eliminate the need for complex and non-scalable techniques traditionally used in graphene fabrication, marking a significant step forward in the field.
The findings, published in a recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, demonstrate how these stacking domains emerge spontaneously through growth-induced self-organization. The size and shape of these domains, influenced by strain and geometry, offer promising potential for future applications, particularly in quantum devices. The researchers have observed stripe-shaped configurations of these stacking domains, which could enable unconventional quantum effects like superconductivity and charge density waves.
This discovery paves the way for scalable electronic devices that leverage graphene’s quantum properties, bringing scientists closer to realizing the full potential of this remarkable material in next-generation electronics and quantum technologies. The research was funded by the U.S. Army Research Office and involved collaboration with researchers from Charles University in Prague. This groundbreaking work represents a significant leap forward in graphene research, with the potential to transform the field of quantum technologies.
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