Gauge fields for rippled graphene membranes under central load

Gauge fields on graphene are invariably expressed in the language of continuum elasticity. Following an approach where the atomic positions play the preponderant role, a model of strain on graphene was developed where all relevant quantities -including gauge fields- are directly expressed in terms of atomic displacements only. Suspended, rippled graphene membranes under cetral load by a sharp object were studied using this approach. The effects from both the pseudo-magnetic field and the deformation potential were included in calculations of the electron density at different spatial locations (the deformation potential acts as an on-site potential energy). The deformation potential -neglected without proper justification in many published works- appears to modify the electronic spectrum dramatically in a qualitative way. Discussion of experiments relevant to the model will also be given.