Effects due to backscattering and pseudogap features in graphene nanoribbons with single vacancies

We present a systematic study of electron backscattering phenomena during conduction for graphene nanoribbons with single-vacancy scatterers and dimensions within the capabilities of modern lithographic techniques. Our analysis builds upon an \textit{ab initio} parameterized semiempirical model that breaks electron-hole symmetry and nonequilibrium Green's function methods for the calculation of the conductance distribution $g$. The underlying mechanism is based on wavefunction localizations and perturbations that in the case of the first $\pi-\pi{}^*$ plateau can give rise to impurity-like pseudogaps with both donor and acceptor characteristics. Confinement and geometry are crucial for the manifestation of such effects. Self-consistent quantum transport calculations characterize vacancies as local charging centers that can induce electrostatic inhomogeneities on the ribbon topology.
Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication at PRB