Electrical current inevitably exhibits noise, in part because it is comprised of single charge carriers (usually electrons). This so-called shot noise contains information that cannot be accessed with measurements of the average current alone. In particular, shot noise depends on the kind of charge carriers and their mutual interactions. Therefore, we want to use scanning tunnelling microscopes to measure the shot noise of the current through single magnetic atoms and molecules. Based on theoretical considerations, we expect that the noise will be unusual in these cases. Our measurements will be the first of this kind and will help to better understand the magnetic and electrical properties of the smallest man-made structures.
DFG Programme
Research Grants
