Temperature effects on the atomic arrangement and conductance of atomic-size gold nanowires generated by mechanical stretching

We have studied the changes induced by thermal effects in the structural and transport response of Au nanowires generated by mechanical elongation. We have used time-resolved atomic resolution transmission electron microscopy imaging and quantum conductance measurement using a mechanically controllable break junction. Our results showed remarkable differences in the NW evolution for experiments realized at 150 and 300 K, which modifies …