Characterization of Atomically Precise Graphene Nanoribbons by Raman Spectroscopy*

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) exhibit an electronic bandgap due to the lateral confinement of charge carriers and edge effects. They can be fabricated by bottom-up on-surface synthesis from molecular precursors resulting in atomically precise structures [1]. This approach promises tunable optical and electronic properties [2]. We use Raman spectroscopy to characterize different types of GNRs and investigate their interaction with growth and devices substrates. In particular, we investigate new geometry-dependent signatures beyond the radial breathing like mode (RBLM) and how they are correlated with charge transport properties.

[1] Cai, J. et al. (2010), Nature 466, 470–473
[2] Chen, Y.-C et al. (2013), ACS Nano 7, 7, 6123–6128