Combinational logic based on chemically designed cluster-ligand systems with electrical addressing of quantum states
Final Report Abstract
In order to achieve the project goals we improved the preparation method of back-gated nanoelectrodes towards gap sizes of 3 nm, which are small enough to address even single small nanoparticles. In addition the ligand stabilized gold nanoparticles were synthesized with a homogenous composition and in such a narrow size distribution that they can be crystallized, self-assemble in hexagonal arrays on surfaces, and exhibit homogenous physical properties when probed as ensemble. Using these elementary components a working device was obtained by developing immobilization protocols resulting in even single nanoparticles devices. Electrical addressing of a nanoparticle device built-up by a ~4 nm biphenylpropanethiol-stabilized gold nanoparticle immobilized in between a ~5 nm nanogap was performed at room temperature and temperature dependent and the thus obtained measurements were compared to integral impedance measurements. These BP3-NPs were shown to exhibit different electronic transport mechanisms and an atypical temperature dependence in both set-ups. Beside this Coulomb-blockade behavior was identified at room temperature so that all prerequisites to build up a device suitable for logic operations are given. The results obtained in this project reflect a conclusive set of results, which deserve a few more complementary experiments.
