Parametric resonance and spin-charge separation in 1D fermionic systems

We show that the periodic modulation of the Hamiltonian parameters for 1D correlated fermionic systems can be used to parametrically amplify their bosonic collective modes. Treating the problem within the Luttinger liquid picture, we show how charge and spin density waves with different momenta are simultaneously amplified. We discuss the implementation of our predictions for cold atoms in 1D modulated optical lattices, showing that the fermionic momentum distribution directly provides a clear signature of spin-charge separation.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, published versio

Local oxidation of Ga[Al]As heterostructures with modulated tip-sample voltages

Nanolithography based on local oxidation with a scanning force microscope has been performed on an undoped GaAs wafer and a Ga[Al]As heterostructure with an undoped GaAs cap layer and a shallow two-dimensional electron gas. The oxide growth and the resulting electronic properties of the patterned structures are compared for constant and modulated voltage applied to the conductive tip of the scanning force microscope. All the lithography has been performed in non-contact mode. Modulating the applied voltage enhances the aspect ratio of the oxide lines, which significantly strengthens the insulating properties of the lines on GaAs. In addition, the oxidation process is found to be more reliable and reproducible. Using this technique, a quantum point contact and a quantum wire have been defined and the electronic stability, the confinement potential and the electrical tunability are demonstrated to be similar to the oxidation with constant voltage.Comment: 7 pages, 7 figures, accepted by J. Appl. Phy

Spatially Resolved Raman Spectroscopy of Single- and Few-Layer Graphene

We present Raman spectroscopy measurements on single- and few-layer graphene flakes. Using a scanning confocal approach we collect spectral data with spatial resolution, which allows us to directly compare Raman images with scanning force micrographs. Single-layer graphene can be distinguished from double- and few-layer by the width of the D' line: the single peak for single-layer graphene splits into different peaks for the double-layer. These findings are explained using the double-resonant Raman model based on ab-initio calculations of the electronic structure and of the phonon dispersion. We investigate the D line intensity and find no defects within the flake. A finite D line response originating from the edges can be attributed either to defects or to the breakdown of translational symmetry