Independently switchable atomic quantum transistors by reversible contact reconstruction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel atomic-scale three-terminal transistor that operates via reversible contact reconstruction, enabling independent switching at room temperature with potential applications in quantum electronics.

Contribution

It presents a new switching mechanism based on bistable, self-stabilizing electrode reconstruction, demonstrated through experiments and atomistic simulations.

Findings

Operates at room temperature with low voltage

Achieves quantized conductance of 1-5 G_0

Demonstrates independent control of two transistors

Abstract

The controlled fabrication of actively switchable atomic-scale devices, in particular transistors, has remained elusive to date. Here we explain operation of an atomic-scale three-terminal device by a novel switching mechanism of bistable, self-stabilizing reconstruction of the electrode contacts at the atomic level: While the device is manufactured by electrochemical deposition, it operates entirely on the basis of mechanical effects of the solid-liquid interface. We analyze mechanically and thermally stable metallic junctions with a predefined quantized conductance of 1-5 G_0 in experiment and atomistic simulation. Atomistic modeling of structural and conductance properties elucidates bistable electrode reconstruction as the underlying mechanism of the device. Independent room-temperature operation of two transistors at low voltage demonstrates intriguing perspectives for quantum electronics and logics on the atomic scale.