Edge state reconstruction in proximitized graphene and its probe using RKKY interaction
The study investigates how a finite on-site potential at zigzag graphene nanoribbon edges reconstruct edge states into purely intra-valley, spin-polarized modes. Since charge conductance cannot detect this change, the Ruderman-Kittel-KasuyaYosida (RKKY) magnetic exchange interaction is used as a sensitive probe to map these new spin and valley degrees of freedom.