Lattice deformation induced by hot carriers in graphene

Abstract

Hot electrons formed in a graphene crystal by high-intensity short-duration laser pulses can exist for a time that is less than an electron-phonon energy relaxation time. During that time, electron-electron collisions cause the electrons to thermalize to a local effective temperature that propagates (diffuses) through graphene. The non-uniform nature of the electron temperature leads to a force acting on the graphene lattice. This force is the result of the electron-lattice interaction that exists even at times that are less than the electron-phonon scattering time. The force causes the lattice to deform. A Boltzmann equation description of the transient electron-lattice deformation causes by hot electrons in graphene is presented.