Microscopic correlation between chemical and electronic states in epitaxial graphene on SiC(000-1)

We present energy filtered electron emission spectromicroscopy with spatial and wave-vector resolution on few layer epitaxial graphene on SiC$(000-1) grown by furnace annealing. Low energy electron microscopy shows that more than 80% of the sample is covered by 2-3 graphene layers. C1s spectromicroscopy provides an independent measurement of the graphene thickness distribution map. The work function, measured by photoelectron emission microscopy (PEEM), varies across the surface from 4.34 to 4.50eV according to both the graphene thickness and the graphene-SiC interface chemical state. At least two SiC surface chemical states (i.e., two different SiC surface structures) are present at the graphene/SiC interface. Charge transfer occurs at each graphene/SiC interface. K-space PEEM gives 3D maps of the k_|| pi - pi* band dispersion in micron scale regions show that the Dirac point shifts as a function of graphene thickness. Novel Bragg diffraction of the Dirac cones via the superlattice formed by the commensurately rotated graphene sheets is observed. The experiments underline the importance of lateral and spectroscopic resolution on the scale of future electronic devices in order to precisely characterize the transport properties and band alignments

Time-resolved PhotoEmission Spectroscopy on a Metal/Ferroelectric Heterostructure

In thin film ferroelectric capacitor the chemical and electronic structure of the electrode/FE interface can play a crucial role in determining the kinetics of polarization switching. We investigate the electronic structure of a Pt/BaTiO3/SrTiO3:Nb capacitor using time-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The chemical, electronic and depth sensitivity of core level photoemission is used to probe the transient response of different parts of the upper electrode/ferroelectric interface to voltage pulse induced polarization reversal. The linear response of the electronic structure agrees quantitatively with a simple RC circuit model. The non-linear response due to the polarization switch is demonstrated by the time-resolved response of the characteristic core levels of the electrode and the ferroelectric. Adjustment of the RC circuit model allows a first estimation of the Pt/BTO interface capacitance. The experiment shows the interface capacitance is at least 100 times higher than the bulk capacitance of the BTO film, in qualitative agreement with theoretical predictions from the literature.Comment: 7 pages, 10 figures. Submitted to Phys. Rev.

Interface Electronic Structure in a Metal/Ferroelectric Heterostructure under Applied Bias

The effective barrier height between an electrode and a ferroelectric (FE) depends on both macroscopic electrical properties and microscopic chemical and electronic structure. The behavior of a prototypical electrode/FE/electrode structure, Pt/BaTiO3/Nb-doped SrTiO3, under in-situ bias voltage is investigated using X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The full band alignment is measured and is supported by transport measurements. Barrier heights depend on interface chemistry and on the FE polarization. A differential response of the core levels to applied bias as a function of the polarization state is observed, consistent with Callen charge variations near the interface.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figures. Submitted to Phys. Rev.

Toxicological analysis of stilbenes against the fall armyworm, \u3ci\u3eSpodoptera frugiperda\u3c/i\u3e

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a global pest of multiple economically important row crops and the development of resistance to commercially available insecticidal classes has inhibited FAW control. Thus, there is a need to identify chemical scaffolds that can provide inspiration for the development of novel insecticides for FAW management. This study aimed to assess the sensitivity of central neurons and susceptibility of FAW to chloride channel modulators to establish a platform for repurposing existing insecticides or designing new chemicals capable of controlling FAW. Potency of select chloride channel modulators were initially studied against FAW central neuron firing rate and rank order of potency was determined to be fipronil \u3e lindane \u3e Z-stilbene \u3e DIDS \u3e GABA \u3e E-stilbene. Toxicity bioassays identified fipronil and lindane as the two most toxic modulators studied with topical LD50\u27s of 41 and 75 ng/mg of caterpillar, respectively. Interestingly, Z-stilbene was toxic at 300 ng/mg of caterpillar, but no toxicity was observed with DIDS or E-stilbene. The significant shift in potency between stilbene isomers indicates structure-activity relationships between stilbene chemistry and the binding site in FAW may exist. The data presented in this study defines the potency of select chloride channel modulators to FAW neural activity and survivorship to establish a platform for development of novel chemical agents to control FAW populations. Although stilbenes may hold promise for insecticide development, the low toxicity of the scaffolds tested in this study dampen enthusiasm for their development into FAW specific insecticides