Abstract

The era of graphene is far from over! More and more intricate phenomena emerge as we improve our ability to finely tune the configuration, structure, and shape of graphene flakes with high precision. Following several predictions on spin imbalance in graphene, it has been recently found that graphene flakes fabricated with custom shapes exhibit localized paramagnetic states. Designer graphene platforms such as junctions, triangulenes, nanoribbons, rings, or, simply, substitutional heteroatoms, enable spin textures and build up collective spin states. These states can be detected with sub-nanometer spatial resolution using scanning tunnelling microscopy, opening the door to exploring unique configurations for interacting spins and the various mechanisms behind their emergence. In this talk, I will present our research in this field, showcasing some paradigmatic examples of graphene nanostructures measured with low-temperature scanning tunneling spectroscopies. If time permits, I will also introduce novel scenarios for graphene systems that are the focus of our laboratory.