Physics Colloquium, November 20, 2007
Graphite, Graphene and Relativistic Electrons Eva Andrei

Rutgers University

The recent synthesis of graphene (a single layer of graphite) has opened the way to bench-top studies of particles whose properties are governed by quantum-relativistic dynamics - Dirac fermions. I will describe scanning tunneling spectroscopy and transport experiments that give direct access to their unique properties. Our findings include evidence for their chiral nature, zero mass and constant speed. When placed in proximity to a superconducting electrode we find that the Dirac fermions can carry a supercurrent and exhibit a rich variety of phenomena characteristic of macroscopic coherent transport.

Dr. Andrei's Web Site

4:00 p.m., Physics Research Building (PRB), Room 1080

Reception at 3:45 p.m., Atrium, PRB