Room-temperature-concerted switch made of a binary atom cluster

Abstract

Single-atom/molecule manipulation for fabricating an atomic-scale switching device is a promising technology for nanoelectronics. So far, scanning probe microscopy studies have demonstrated several atomic-scale switches, mostly in cryogenic environments. Although a high-performance switch at room temperature is essential for practical applications, this remains a challenging obstacle to overcome. Here we report a room-temperature switch composed of a binary atom cluster on the semiconductor surface. Distinctly different types of manipulation techniques enable the construction of an atomically defined binary cluster and the electronic switching of the conformations, either unidirectionally or bidirectionally. The switching process involves a complex rearrangement of multiple atoms in concerted manner. Such a feature is strikingly different from any switches mediated by single-atom/molecule processes that have been previously reported.

Combining scanning tunneling microscope (STM) imaging and local manipulation to probe the high dose oxidation structure of the Si(111)-7×7 surface

“…The STM can induce molecular manipulation via local injection of electrons directly into single atoms and molecules. This manipulation may induce weakening (diffusion, switching) or breaking (desorption, dissociation, and transformation) of bonds, probing the chemistry and energetics of the surface [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20].…”

Electron-beam introduction of heteroatomic Pt–Si structures in graphene

“…By connecting these developments, a number of SPM groups have demonstrated methods for using the SPM tip to desorb atomic species, induce lateral atomic motion, and to introduce complex chemical reactions. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] This approach was used to explore the fundamental mechanisms of complex reaction processes and is now being used as a basis for single-atom device fabrication, most notably P/Si qubits. [13][14][15][16] Recently, similar opportunities have been realized using the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM).…”

Imaging and manipulation of adsorbed Pb adatom structures on the Si(100) surface by noncontact atomic force microscopy

“…Previous work has realised lateral and vertical interchange reactions, using the close approach of the scanning probe tip [15,16]. More recently, similar techniques have been used to controllably lower the diffusion barrier between local potential minima for metal adatoms on the Si(111)-7x7 surface, allowing controlled assembly of metallic nanoclusters, atom by atom [17]. These protocols can also trigger an exchange reaction between a surface absorbed adatom and an intrinsic adatom of the surface [18].…”