Joonhee Lee: Obtaining atomically resolved images of graphene using scanning tunneling microscopy

Title

Obtaining atomically resolved images of graphene using scanning tunneling microscopy

Mentor

Joonhee Lee

Department

Physics

Biosketch

Joonhee Lee is an assistant professor in the physics department at the University of Nevada, Reno. His research interests include the vibrational mapping of single use molecules using atomically confined light, molecular force mapping using functionalized tips, and time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy using femtosecond lasers.

Project overview

The primary goal of the research is to obtain atomically resolved images of graphene using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). STM relies on the quantum mechanical nature of electrons. The "wavefunction" of an electron leak into the classically forbidden region, thereby constituting the exponentially decaying tunneling current. This current will be used to image the one carbon-atom thick two-dimensional material, graphene. Graphene is known as the material of wonder since it has fascinating properties such as relativistically behaving electrons and extremely high carrier mobility, which is superior to silicon. The PREP participant will learn how to operate STM to obtain atomically resolved graphene images. The research will provide hands-on experience on the applications of quantum mechanics in real life. Also, the training includes digital image processing and data analysis techniques through coding.