Shell-effects in heavy alkali-metal nanowires

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 sh...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Yanson, A. I, Yanson, I. K, van Ruitenbeek, J. M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 06.05.2004
Subjects
Physics - Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
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Summary: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.
DOI:10.48550/arxiv.cond-mat/0405112