We demonstrate the growth of graphene nanocrystals by molecular beam methods
that employ a solid carbon source, and that can be used on a diverse class of
large area dielectric substrates. Characterization by Raman and Near Edge X-ray
Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopies reveal a sp2 hybridized hexagonal
carbon lattice in the nanocrystals. Lower growth rates favor the formation of
higher quality, larger size multi-layer graphene crystallites on all
investigated substrates. The surface morphology is determined by the roughness
of the underlying substrate and graphitic monolayer steps are observed by
ambient scanning tunneling microscopy.Comment: Accepted in Carbon; Discussion section added; 20 pages, 6 figures (1
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