Finite-Size Effects in the Conductivity of Cluster Assembled Nanostructures

J. Schmelzer, Jr; S. A. Brown; A. Wurl; M. Hyslop; R. J. Blaikie

doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.88.226802

Finite-Size Effects in the Conductivity of Cluster Assembled Nanostructures

J. Schmelzer, Jr., S. A. Brown, A. Wurl, M. Hyslop, and R. J. Blaikie

Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 226802 – Published 17 May 2002

Abstract

Atomic clusters have been deposited between lithographically defined contacts with nanometer scale separations. The design of the contacts is based on an appropriate application of percolation theory to conduction in cluster deposited devices and allows finite-size effects to be clearly observed. It is demonstrated, both by experiment and by simulation, that for small contact separations the percolation threshold is shifted to extremely low surface coverages. The selected rectangular contact geometry ensures that wirelike structures are formed close to the percolation threshold.

Received 5 November 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.88.226802

Authors & Affiliations

J. Schmelzer, Jr.^*, S. A. Brown^†, A. Wurl, and M. Hyslop

Nanostructure Engineering Science and Technology (NEST) Group and Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand

R. J. Blaikie

Nanostructure Engineering Science and Technology (NEST) Group and Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand

^*Also at Fachbereich Physik, Universität Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany.
^†Electronic address: S.Brown@phys.canterbury.ac.nz