Magneto-electric coupling in zigzag graphene nanoribbons

J. Jung, A. H. Macdonald

Published 2009-12-23Version 1

Zigzag graphene nanoribbons can have magnetic ground states with ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, or canted configurations, depending on carrier density. We show that an electric field directed across the ribbon alters the magnetic state, favoring antiferromagnetic configurations. This property can be used to prepare ribbons with a prescribed spin-orientation on a given edge.