Energy levels of gapped graphene quantum dots in external fields

Abstract

We investigate the energy levels of fermions within a circular graphene quantum dot (GQD) subjected to external magnetic and Aharonov-Bohm fields. Solving the eigenvalue equation for two distinct regions allows us to determine the eigenspinors for the valleys $K$ and $K^\prime$. By establishing the continuity of eigenspinors at the GQD interface, we derive an equation that reveals the reliance of energy levels on external physical parameters. Our observations suggest that the symmetry of energy levels hinges on the selected physical parameters. We observe that at low magnetic fields, the energy levels display degeneracy, which diminishes as the field strength increases, coinciding with the convergence of energy levels toward the Landau levels. We illustrate that the introduction of a magnetic flux into the GQD leads to the creation of an energy gap, extending the trapping time of electrons without perturbing the system. Conversely, the addition of gap energy widens the band gap, disrupting the system's symmetry by introducing new energy levels.