Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

1,3,5-Triphenylbenzene and Corannulene as Electron Receptors for Lithium Solvated Electron Solutions
Published on: October 10, 2016
Four-atom period in the conductance of monatomic Al wires
1Center for Atomic-scale Materials Physics, Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
Abstract:
We present first-principles calculations based on density functional theory for the conductance of monatomic Al wires between Al(111) electrodes. In contrast to the even-odd oscillations observed in other metallic wires, the conductance of the Al wires is found to oscillate with a period of four atoms as the length of the wire is varied. Although local charge neutrality can account for the observed period, it leads to an incorrect phase. We explain the conductance behavior using a resonant transport model based on the electronic structure of the infinite wire.
Related Concept Videos
Periodic Classification of the Elements
Ionic Bonding and Electron Transfer
Properties of Transition Metals
Conductors and Insulators
Most metals are conductors. Their atomic configuration is such that one or more electron(s) are loosely bound to the nucleus in each atom. Thus, a sea of mobile electrons are available in them, known as free electrons. Their easy...
Theory of Metallic Conduction
In this theory, Newton's second law of motion is used to determine the acceleration of an electron in the presence of an applied electric field. Then, its velocity is expressed via this acceleration.
An electron moves through the crystal, containing positive ions,...
Debye–Huckel–Onsager Conductance Equation

