Graphene on SiC as a promising platform for magnetic field detection under neutron irradiation
[ 1 ] Instytut Fizyki, Wydział Inżynierii Materiałowej i Fizyki Technicznej, Politechnika Poznańska | [ P ] pracownik
2022
artykuł naukowy
angielski
- graphene
- hydrogen intercalation
- quasi-free-standing
- radiation-resistant materials
- self-healing effects
- density functional theory
EN In this paper, we report on the first experimental study on the impact of neutron radiation on quasi-free-standing (QFS) graphene. For this purpose, we have fabricated hydrogen-intercalated QFS graphene on semiinsulating high-purity 4H-SiC(0001), passivated it with an Al2O3 layer, and exposed it to a fast-neutron fluence of ≈ 6.6 × 1017 cm−2. The results have shown that the graphene sheet is only moderately affected by the neutron radiation with the estimated defect density of ≈ 4 × 1010 cm−2. The low structural damage allowed the Al2O3/graphene/SiC system to maintain its electrical properties and an excellent sensitivity to magnetic fields characteristic of QFS graphene. Consequently, our findings suggest that the system may be a promising platform for magnetic diagnostics in magnetic-confinement fusion reactors. However, the scope of its use should be a subject of further study. In this context, we have explored possible modes of damage and have concluded that the main factor that affects the electrical parameters of the structure is the impact of neutrons on the layer of hydrogen atoms saturating the SiC(0001) surface. We have shown, employing density functional theory (DFT) computations, that damage to the intercalating layer could lower hole concentration in graphene via reduced charge polarization and local coupling on the interface.
11.03.2022
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Article Number: 152992
Czasopismo hybrydowe
140
6,7