Possible superconductivity in multi-layer-graphene by application of a gate voltage

Abstract

The carrier density in tens of nanometers thick graphite samples (multi-layer-graphene, MLG) has been modified by applying a gate voltage ($V_g$) perpendicular to the graphene planes. Surface potential microscopy shows inhomogeneities in the carrier density ($n$) in the sample near surface region and under different values of $V_g$ at room temperature. Transport measurements on different MLG samples reveal that under a large enough applied electric field these regions undergo a superconducting-like transition at $T \lesssim 17$ K. A magnetic field applied parallel or normal to the graphene layers suppresses the transition without changing appreciably the transition temperature.

21 pages, 8 figures, will be published in Carbon (in press, 2014)