title: Finite-size effects in the conductivity of cluster assembled nanostructures.
abstract: Atomic clusters have been deposited between lithographically defined contacts with nanometer scale separations. The design of the contacts is based on an appropriate application of percolation theory to conduction in cluster deposited devices and allows finite-size effects to be clearly observed. It is demonstrated, both by experiment and by simulation, that for small contact separations the percolation threshold is shifted to extremely low surface coverages. The selected rectangular contact geometry ensures that wirelike structures are formed close to the percolation threshold.
authors.affiliation: Nanostructure Engineering Science and Technology (NEST) Group and Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schmelzer
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wurl
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hyslop
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Blaikie