A Mechanically Tunable Quantum Dot in a Graphene Break Junction

Graphene quantum dots (QD_s) are intensively studied as platforms for the next generation of quantum electronic devices. Fine tuning of the transport properties in monolayer graphene QD_s, in particular with respect to the independent modulation of the tunnel barrier transparencies, remains challenging and is typically addressed using electrostatic gating. We investigate charge transport in back-gated graphene mechanical break junctions and reveal Coulomb blockade physics characteristic of a single, high-quality QD when a nanogap is opened in a graphene constriction. By mechanically controlling the distance across the newly formed graphene nanogap, we achieve reversible tunability of the tunnel coupling to the drain electrode by 5 orders of magnitude, while keeping the source-QD tunnel coupling constant. The break junction device can therefore become a powerful platform to study the physical parameters that are crucial to the development of future graphene-based devices, including energy converters and quantum calorimeters