Tailoring electronic properties of atomic chains assembled by STM

Atomic chains were assembled from single Au and Pd atoms on a NiAl(110) surface, using the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope. The electronic properties of the chains were investigated by spatially resolved conductance spectroscopy and microscopy, revealing the development of a one-dimensional, free-electron-like band. Onset energy, effective electron mass, and spatial localization of the band were influenced by structural and chemical modifications of the chains. The experiments demonstrate the effects of interatomic spacing and elemental composition of the chains, as well as the roll of local impurities and adsorption on the properties of the one-dimensional electronic system. PACS 68.37.Ef; 73.21.Fg; 73.22.-f; 68.43.-h