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Formation of a Metallic Contact: Jump to Contact Revisited

C. Untiedt·M. J. Caturla·M. R. Calvo·J. J. Palacios·R. C. Segers·J. M. van Ruitenbeek
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Abstract

The transition from tunneling to metallic contact between two surfaces does not always involve a jump, but can be smooth. We have observed that the configuration and material composition of the electrodes before contact largely determines the presence or absence of a jump. Moreover, when jumps are found preferential values of conductance have been identified. Through combination of experiments, molecular dynamics, and first-principles transport calculations these conductance values are identified with atomic contacts of either monomers, dimers or double-bond contacts.

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C. Untiedt, M. J. Caturla, M. R. Calvo, J. J. Palacios, R. C. Segers, J. M. van Ruitenbeek. 2006-11-05. Formation of a Metallic Contact: Jump to Contact Revisited. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.98.206801

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