Negative quantum capacitance in graphene nanoribbons with lateral gates

R. Reiter, U. Derra, S. Birner, B. Terrés, F. Libisch, J. Burgdörfer, C. Stampfer

Published 2013-12-19, updated 2014-01-23Version 3

We present numerical simulations of the capacitive coupling between graphene nanoribbons of various widths and gate electrodes in different configurations. We compare the influence of lateral metallic or graphene side gate structures on the overall back gate capacitive coupling. Most interestingly, we find a complex interplay between quantum capacitance effects in the graphene nanoribbon and the lateral graphene side gates, giving rise to an unconventional negative quantum capacitance. The emerging non-linear capacitive couplings are investigated in detail. The experimentally relevant relative lever arm, the ratio between the coupling of the different gate structures, is discussed.