Electronic transport in 1-dimensional systems(Dr. O. Cespedes)

Schematic of a 1-dimensional metal wire deposited on a DNA template between two functionalized electrodes. The black points represent the deposited metal atoms.

The size or current electronic devices has been decreasing steadily for several decades, and soon will reach nm or sub-nanometer levels. For this objective, conceptually new methods of fabrication will be required. Furthermore, the electronic and structural properties of these structures will be very different from the bulk properties of the materials they are made of.  It is therefore essential to investigate new ideas for the preparation of these 1-dimensional systems, and to measure their transport characteristics under different conditions.

In this project, the student will use molecular and bio-templates for the fabrication of 1-dimensional, atomic-size chains of metallic materials. The project will involve lithography, preparation of surfaces for molecular deposition and atom-thick metallization via molecular beam epitaxy and/or sputtering.

Different metals can be used for the fabrication of the atomic chain, such as noble metals, ferromagnets and type 1 superconductors.  Quantum interference, 1-dimensional superconductivity, local magnetic ordering and molecular spectroscopy are just some of the extraordinary phenomena that can be investigated in these original structures.