Anisotropic Ballistic Transport Revealed by Molecular Nanoprobe Experiments

Markus Leisegang, Robert Schindhelm, Jens Kügel, and Matthias Bode
Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 146601 – Published 7 April 2021

Abstract

Atomic-scale charge transport properties are not only of significant fundamental interest but also highly relevant for numerous technical applications. However, experimental methods that are capable of detecting charge transport at the relevant single-digit nanometer length scale are scarce. Here we report on molecular nanoprobe experiments on Pd(110), where we use the charge carrier-driven switching of a single cis-2-butene molecule to detect ballistic transport properties over length scales of a few nanometers. Our data demonstrate a striking angular dependence with a dip in the charge transport along the [11¯0]-oriented atomic rows and a peak in the transverse [001] direction. The narrow angular width of both features and distance-dependent measurements suggest that the nanometer-scale ballistic transport properties of metallic surfaces are significantly influenced by the atomic structure.

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  • Received 4 October 2020
  • Revised 27 February 2021
  • Accepted 15 March 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.146601

© 2021 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Condensed Matter, Materials & Applied Physics

Authors & Affiliations

Markus Leisegang1,*, Robert Schindhelm1, Jens Kügel1, and Matthias Bode1,2

  • 1Physikalisches Institut, Experimentelle Physik II, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
  • 2Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen-Center for Complex Material Systems (RCCM), Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany

  • *Corresponding author. markus.leisegang@physik.uni-wuerzburg.de

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Issue

Vol. 126, Iss. 14 — 9 April 2021

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