Imaging stacking order in few-layer graphene

Few-layer graphene (FLG) has been predicted to exist in various crystallographic stacking sequences, which can strongly influence the material's electronic properties. We demonstrate an accurate and efficient method to characterize stacking order in FLG using the distinctive features of the Raman 2D-mode. Raman imaging allows us to visualize directly the spatial distribution of Bernal (ABA) and rhombohedral (ABC) stacking in tri- and tetralayer graphene. We find that 15% of exfoliated graphene tri- and tetralayers is composed of micrometer-sized domains of rhombohedral stacking, rather than of usual Bernal stacking. These domains are stable and remain unchanged for temperatures exceeding 800 °C.