Graphene: Quantum Transport in a 2D Membrane

Dr. Chun Ning (Jeanie) Lau
Associate Professor
Department of Physics
University of California, Riverside

Graphene, a two - dimensional single atomic layer of carbon, has recently emerged as a promising candidate for electronic materials, as well as a new model system for condensed matter physics. It also has the double identity of an extraordinary conductor and the thinnest isolated membrane. In this talk I will present our results on both of these aspects: (1) our observation of novel transport phenomena in graphene, including coherent interference of multply-reflected charge waves and properties of p-n-p junctions in zero and high magnetic fields; and (2) our work on ripple formation and manipulation on suspneded graphene sheets. I will conclude the talk with a brief discussion on the fascinating prospect of strain-based graphene engineering.

Dr. Lau obtained her B.A. from the University of Chicago and her Ph.D. from Harvard University. Before joining UCR in 2004 as an assistant professor, she was a research associate at Hewlett-Packard Laboratories in Palo Alto, CA. Her research interests center on the thermal, electrical and mechanical properties of carbon nanomaterials.