Exploration of Three-Atom-Thick Structures and Advances in Molecular Electronics Techniques at Room Temperature

Exploration of Three-Atom-Thick Structures and Advances in Molecular Electronics Techniques at Room Temperature - Featured

Title: Exploration of Three-Atom-Thick Structures and Advances in Molecular Electronics Techniques at Room Temperature
When: Thursday, February, 06, 2025, 12:00
Place: Department of Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Module 5, Seminar Room (5th Floor)
Speaker: Carlos Sabater, Universidad de Alicante, Spain.

In this work, through electronic transport experiments on atomic gold contacts using Break-Junction (BJ) techniques, we have demonstrated the existence of atomic chains and three-atom-thick structures in gold contacts when stretched. BJ experiments were conducted at 4 K and 300 K, combined with classical molecular dynamics simulations and first-principles calculations. Furthermore, we developed a rapid and robust method to calibrate the relative distance of electrodes at room temperature. Additionally, we present instrumental advances in the use of Mechanically Controlled Break Junctions (MCBJ) at room temperature. Specifically, we designed a logarithmic amplifier that significantly extends the measurable conductance range. This development enabled the measurement of molecules such as dichloromethane, trichloromethane, and glycerin, demonstrating that solvents play a key role in molecular electronics. Experimental results have been validated through molecular dynamics simulations and DFT-based electronic transport calculations, showing excellent agreement between experimental and theoretical approaches.