Quantized conductance observed in reversible atomic contacts fabricated by template electroplating using an on-membrane anode

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel template electroplating technique that creates reversible atomic contacts with quantized conductance, enabling precise control in nanowire fabrication and nanoscale interconnects.

Contribution

A new electroplating method with on-membrane anode for reversible atomic contacts and quantized conductance observation during nanowire fabrication.

Findings

Quantized conductance steps observed during deposition and dissolution.

Reversible atomic contacts fabricated using the new method.

Potential applications in nanowire and nanoscale interconnect fabrication.

Abstract

We report a new template electroplating method for fabricating reversible atomic contacts between a single nanowire and a macroscopic contact pad. In comparison to typical template methods using a standing-alone anode, we directly evaporate the anode on one of the porous membrane surfaces. Single nanowires, upon emerging from the pores, make reversible atomic contacts with the on-membrane anode via a self-terminating mechanism. Quantized conductance steps have been observed in a controlled fashion during deposition and dissolution. This method can potentially be applied for the controlled fabrication and integration of nanowires, point contacts, and nanosized interconnects in template-based nanofabrication.