Mixed (1D-2D) quantum electron transport in percolating gold film

TL;DR

This study investigates quantum electron transport in ultra-thin gold films, revealing simultaneous 1D and 2D quantum interference effects due to inhomogeneous transport near the metal-insulator transition.

Contribution

It demonstrates the coexistence of 1D and 2D quantum effects in a single system at the threshold of a metal-insulator transition.

Findings

Observation of weak localization and electron-electron interaction effects

Identification of inhomogeneous electron transport behavior

Behavior determined by thickness-controlled transition

Abstract

The gold film (mean thickness $\approx$ 3.5 nm) was condensed in high vacuum at temperature 70 K on single-crystal sapphire substrate. The transport properties of the film at low temperature reveal simultaneously indications of 1D and 2D quantum interference effects of weak localization and electron-electron interaction. It is shown that this behavior is determined by inhomogeneous electron transport at the threshold of thickness-controlled metal-insulator transition.