In situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy of structures and conductance of silver nanocontacts

Abstract

The breaking process of silver nanocontacts (NCs) was observed in situ at room temperature by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Simultaneously, the conductance of the NCs was measured. During breaking, the conductance showed a stepwise variation and the step height corresponded to integer multiples of 2e2//h, i.e., the quantized conductance levels. Using a conductance feedback control, the NCs exhibiting a certain conductance were observed continuously. The relationship between the structure and conductance of the NCs was investigated; the conductance at a quantized level was associated with NCs with several types of atomistic configurations. © 2009 The Surface Science Society of Japan.