Theory of the Eigler-swith

TL;DR

This paper presents a theoretical model explaining the reversible transfer of a single Xe atom in a scanning tunneling microscope, emphasizing the role of inelastic tunneling electrons and non-equilibrium effects.

Contribution

It provides a formal derivation and generalization of the DIMET framework for atom transfer under electronic excitation.

Findings

Transfer rate follows Arrhenius law with an effective temperature.

Directionality of atom transfer is analyzed.

Highlights importance of non-equilibrium formalism for electronic environment.

Abstract

We suggest a simple model to describe the reversible field-induced transfer of a single Xe-atom in a scanning tunneling microscope, --- the Eigler-switch. The inelasticly tunneling electrons give rise to fluctuating forces on and damping of the Xe-atom resulting in an effective current dependent temperature. The rate of transfer is controlled by the well-known Arrhenius law with this effective temperature. The directionality of atom transfer is discussed, and the importance of use of non-equlibrium-formalism for the electronic environment is emphasized. The theory constitutes a formal derivation and generalization of the so-called Desorption Induced by Multiple Electron Transitions (DIMET) point of view.