Shell-effects in heavy alkali-metal nanowires

TL;DR

This paper investigates shell effects in heavy alkali-metal nanowires, revealing temperature-dependent transitions and a reverse shell effect near the liquid state, expanding understanding of quantum conductance phenomena.

Contribution

It extends previous studies by including Rb and Cs, and uncovers new temperature-dependent and reverse shell effects in heavy alkali-metal nanowires.

Findings

Conductance-histogram peak heights vary non-monotonously with atomic weight.

A rapid transition to atomic shell structure occurs at higher temperatures.

A reverse atomic-electronic shell transition is observed near the liquid state.

Abstract

We supplement our previous observations of the shell effect in alkali-metal nanowires (Li, Na, K) with data extended to the heavy alkalis Rb and Cs. Our observations include: i) a non-monotonous dependence of conductance-histogram peak heights on atomic weight, ii) a rapid transition to an atomic shell structure at elevated temperatures, and iii) a ''reverse'' atomic-electronic shell transition, caused by the closeness to the liquid state.