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Award Abstract #9818073
Quantum Transport in Electrochemically Fabricated Metallic Nanoconstrictions
| NSF Org: |
CHE
Division of Chemistry
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| Initial Amendment Date: |
March 8, 1999 |
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| Latest Amendment Date: |
March 6, 2001 |
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| Award Number: |
9818073 |
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| Award Instrument: |
Continuing grant |
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| Program Manager: |
Steven L. Bernasek
CHE Division of Chemistry
MPS Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences
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| Start Date: |
March 15, 1999 |
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| Expires: |
October 31, 2001 (Estimated) |
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| Awarded Amount to Date: |
$270000 |
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| Investigator(s): |
Nongjian Tao nongjian.tao@asu.edu (Principal Investigator)
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| Sponsor: |
Florida International University
11200 SW 8TH ST
Miami, FL 33199 305/348-2494
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| NSF Program(s): |
ELECTROCHEMISTRY & SURFACE CHE
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| Field Application(s): |
0106000 Materials Research
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| Program Reference Code(s): |
MANU,AMPP,9161,9148
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| Program Element Code(s): |
1972
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ABSTRACT
This research project, supported in the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, addresses the mechanism of quantized electron transport in small metallic structures. A novel electrochemical etching/deposition approach is used to control the size of metallic nanoconstrictions, while electron transport through the constriction is being measured. Professor Nongjian Tao and his coworkers at Florida International University are also investigating the effect of molecular adsorption on the surface of the nanoconstriction and the resulting changes in electron transport. This effect may be of use in the design of chemical sensors. Scanning probe microscopy is used to monitor the size of the metallic nanoconstriction formed and evaluated under electrochemical control.
The flow of electrons through very small metallic conductors is governed by quantum mechanical effects. The ability to measure and understand this process is frustrated by the difficulty of preparing stable conductors of nanometer dimension. Using electrochemical control methods, this research project addresses this limitation, with the goal of providing fundamental understanding of the quantum transport process. The application of these ideas to the design of compact analytical sensors may result from this understanding.
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