title: Chain formation of metal atoms.
abstract: The possibility of formation of single-atomic chains by manipulation of nanocontacts is studied for a selection of metals (Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au). Molecular dynamics simulations show that the tendency for chain formation is strongest for Au and Pt. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the metals which form chains exhibit pronounced many-atom interactions with strong bonding in low coordinated systems.
authors.affiliation: CAMP, Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Bahn
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Jacobsen