Resistance of Atomic Wires
Authors: Ethan Minot, Sean Garner, Michael
Occhino, George Wolfe, Walt Peck, Monica Plisch
Lab Manual: 
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Former title: The Quantum of Resistance: Electrical current through a single atom
Abstract: This lab demonstrates the prediction that a chain of single atoms will have a resistance of 12.8kOhm. Students will monitor the resistance of a gold contact using a digital oscilloscope. As the gold contact is broken resistance changes can be interpreted as gold atoms pulling apart and forming a single chain. Students must work with Ohm’s law to compare their measurement to predictions. This hands-on measurement will provide students with evidence for the atomic structure of materials. Technological significance for the miniaturization of computer circuitry can be discussed.
