Graphene and Carbon nanotubes

Graphene and carbon nanotubes are materials with extraordinary mechanical and electronic properties. High electron conductivity, linear energy dispersion and relatively long spin relaxation time make them good candidates for replacting silicon in low power electronics and spintronics. However, when pristine graphene or a nanotube is contaminated by e.g. an adatom or substrate its electronic properties can be drastically modified.

Our research focuses on spin-orbit interaction in carbon-based systems induced by adatoms, substrate or external fields. Starting from first principle calculations we develop realistic theoretical models describing the underlying physics.

 M. Kurpas, M. Gmitra, and J. Fabian "Spin orbit interaction in pure and hyderogenated carbon nanotubes in a transverse electric field" (2014).