학술논문

Out-of-equilibrium criticalities in graphene superlattices
Document Type
Working Paper
Source
Science 375, 430-433 (2022)
Subject
Condensed Matter - Other Condensed Matter
Condensed Matter - Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
Language
Abstract
In thermodynamic equilibrium, current in metallic systems is carried by electronic states near the Fermi energy whereas the filled bands underneath contribute little to conduction. Here we describe a very different regime in which carrier distribution in graphene and its superlattices is shifted so far from equilibrium that the filled bands start playing an essential role, leading to a critical-current behavior. The criticalities develop upon the velocity of electron flow reaching the Fermi velocity. Key signatures of the out-of-equilibrium state are current-voltage characteristics resembling those of superconductors, sharp peaks in differential resistance, sign reversal of the Hall effect, and a marked anomaly caused by the Schwinger-like production of hot electron-hole plasma. The observed behavior is expected to be common for all graphene-based superlattices.
Comment: 22 pages, 11 figures