Molecule cascades
A.J. Heinrich, C. Lutz, et al.
Science
The scanning tunnelling microscope1 (STM) has been employed in recent years in attempts to develop atomic-scale electronic devices, both by examining device-like characteristics in preexisting structures2,3 and by creating new structures by the precise manipulation of atoms and molecules with the STM tip4-6. Here we report the operation of a bistable switch that derives its function from the motion of a single atom. A xenon atom is moved reversibly between stable positions on each of two stationary conducting 'leads', corresponding to the STM tip and a nickel surface. The state of the switch is set (that is, the xenon atom is moved to the desired location) by the application of a voltage pulse of the appropriate sign across the leads. The state of the switch is identified by measuring the conductance across the leads. This switch is a prototype of a new class of potentially very small electronic devices which we will call atom switches. © 1991 Nature Publishing Group.
A.J. Heinrich, C. Lutz, et al.
Science
D.M. Eigler, E. Schweizer
Nature
Farid F. Abraham, D. Brodbeck, et al.
Modelling and Simulation in Materials Science and Engineering
J.A. Gupta, C. Lutz, et al.
Physical Review B - CMMP