Integer conductance quantization of gold atomic sheets

Abstract

Using a transmission electron microscope combined with a scanning tunneling microscope, we find that a gold (111) or (001) atomic sheet is formed between two gold electrodes. Simultaneous conductance measurements indicate a value in the vicinity of ${G}_{0}$ ($=2{e}^{2}∕h$: conductance quantum), $2{G}_{0}$, $3{G}_{0}$, and $4{G}_{0}$. Each quantum number is equal to the number of atomic strands. First-principle calculations suggest that the atomic sheet should be deformed to explain this rule. It is likely that the gold atomic sheet is stabilized by an increment of the nonlocal bond because of the deformation.