Snake states in graphene quantum dots in the presence of a p-n junction

M. Zarenia, J. M. Pereira Jr, F. M. Peeters, G. A. Farias

Published 2013-01-15Version 1

We investigate the magnetic interface states of graphene quantum dots that contain p-n junctions. Within a tight-binding approach, we consider rectangular quantum dots in the presence of a perpendicular magnetic ?field containing p-n, as well as p-n-p and n-p-n junctions. The results show the interplay between the edge states associated with the zigzag terminations of the sample and the snake states that arise at the p-n junction, due to the overlap between electron and hole states at the potential interface. Remarkable localized states are found at the crossing of the p-n junction with the zigzag edge having a dumb-bell shaped electron distribution. The results are presented as function of the junction parameters and the applied magnetic flux.