Constant voltage driving current oscillation in artificial graphene ribbons with deterministic chiral edges†

Semiconductor QD-based artificial graphene (AG) is a promising platform to unveil extraordinary graphene-like features due to its honeycomb topology and carrier interactions. Here, QD-based AG with deterministic chiral edges is readily achieved on Si substrates. An abnormal current oscillation at a constant voltage is observed in the AG ribbon with chiral edges. It can be modulated using gate voltage, magnetic field, and temperature. These features are addressed in terms of the chiral edge states with quasi-flat bands and the interband carrier transfer from the edge states to the bulk states of the AG ribbon. Our results demonstrate the dramatic effects of edge states on the carrier transport in the AG ribbon, which will greatly promote comprehensive studies on the fundamental properties and the development of innovative semiconductor devices based on AG ribbons or graphene with deterministic edge configurations.