Tunneling spectroscopy of graphene and related reconstructions on SiC(0001)

The 5×5, 6√3×6√3-R30°, and graphene-covered 6√3×6√3-R30° reconstructions of the SiC(0001) surface are studied by scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. For the 5×5 structure a rich spectrum of surface states is obtained, with one state in particular found to be localized on top of structural protrusions (adatoms) observed on the surface. Similar spectra are observed on the bare 6√3×6√3-R30° reconstruction, and in both cases the spectra display nearly zero conductivity at the Fermi-level. When graphene covers the 6√3×6√3-R30° surface the conductivity at the Fermi-level shows a marked increase, and additionally the various surface state peaks seen in the spectrum shift in energy and fall in intensity. The influence of the overlying graphene on the electronic properties of the interface is discussed, as are possible models for the interface structure.