Transport in Graphene Nanoribbons
In an electron microscope the electron beam’s main function is to act as an illumination source. However, in the right energy range the electron beam can displace atoms from a material. Marija Drndić’s group at the University of Pennsylvania developed a process to modify graphene sheets into graphene nanoribbons with the aid of a TEM’s electron beam. By having these modifications done in a Hummingbird Scientific in situ TEM biasing sample holder, the researchers were able to 1) fabricate graphene-based devices inside the TEM column and 2) characterize the devices electronically without the need to remove the sample from the microscope. This technique is well suited for any 2D material.
Reference: Marija Drndić et al. In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Modulation of Transport in Graphene Nanoribbons. ACS Nano (2016).