Correlating conductance and structure of silver nano-contacts created by jump-to-contact STM break junction

In this paper, we use Ag as a probe to compare the conductance of the NCs created by STM-based jump-to-contact and crash-to-contact approaches with the results of theoretical modeling reported in the literature. It is shown that the jump-to-contact created Ag NCs have most probable conductance at 1, 2 and 3 G0, with that at 2 G0 most abundant, which is in agreement with theoretical modeling. It is thus proved that metal Ag NCs created by jump-to-contact STM-BJ bear well-defined structures.

► We compare the structure of Ag NCs created via jump-to-contact and crash-to-contact STM Break junction. ► Jump-to-contact created Ag NCs at two-atom width bears integral conductance of 2 G0. ► Crash-to-contact created Ag NCs at two-atom width bears fractional conductance of 2.5 G0. ► Jump-to-contact approach creates Ag NCs with well-defined structure.