Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Fabrication of Spatially Confined Complex Oxides
Published on: July 1, 2013
Conductance oscillations in zigzag platinum chains
V M García-Suárez1, A R Rocha, S W Bailey
1Departamento de Física, Universidad de Oviedo, 33007 Oviedo, Spain.
Abstract:
Using first principles simulations we perform a detailed study of the structural, electronic, and transport properties of monatomic platinum chains, sandwiched between platinum electrodes. First, we demonstrate that the most stable atomic configuration corresponds to a zigzag arrangement that gradually straightens as the chains are stretched. Second, we find that the averaged conductance shows slight parity oscillations with the number of atoms in the chain. Additionally, the conductance of chains of fixed oscillates as the end atoms are pulled apart, due to the gradual closing and opening of conductance channels as the chain straightens.
Related Concept Videos
Ziegler–Natta Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Charging Conductors By Induction
Generally, conductors like metals do not allow any excess charge to be present on them. Any excess charge added to metals easily flows away, for example, when a metal is placed on the Earth. This process is called earthing.
However, conductors can be charged by a process called induction. For example, consider charging a...
Charge on a Conductor
Oscillations In An LC Circuit
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

