Dirac-Schrodinger transformations in contacted graphene structures

Abstract

At an interface between contacts and graphene, the mathematical equation that governs the propagation of electrons transforms from the Schrodinger to the Dirac equation. The condition of current probability conservation at such an interface does not determine uniquely the boundary conditions for the quantum wavefunction. We discuss the possible form of boundary conditions, determine its influence on the transmission coefficient of a contacted graphene structure and suggest that optical experiments on photonic crystals with Dirac points can help identifying, under certain circumstances, the proper boundary condition at graphene- electrode interfaces.