Measurement of discrete energy-level spectra in individual chemically synthesized gold nanoparticles.
We form single-electron transistors from individual chemically synthesized gold nanoparticles, 5-15 nm in diameter, with monolayers of organic molecules serving as tunnel barriers. These devices allow us to measure the discrete electronic energy levels of individual gold nanoparticles that are, by virtue of chemical synthesis, well-defined in their composition, size and shape. We show that the nanoparticles are nonmagnetic and have spectra in good accord with random-matrix-theory predictions taking into account strong spin-orbit coupling.
Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
Ferdinand
F
Kuemmeth
Kirill I
KI
Bolotin
Su-Fei
SF
Shi
Daniel C
DC
Ralph