The Diode Behavior of Asymmetrically Ordered Au55 Clusters

Abstract

Future nanoelectronic devices may well be based on an assembled monolayer of ligand-stabilized metal clusters, Au55 in this case: Irradiation of the monolayer with an electon beam generates diodic behavior. While the clusters themselves resist decomposition, the system exhibits interesting time-dependant electrical characteristics, as shown by the current-voltage curve.