Nanoionics enabled Atomic-Point-Contact Construction and Quantum Conductance Effects

Abstract

The minimization of electronic devices is important for the development of high-density and function-integrated information devices. Atomic-point-contact (APC) structure refers to narrow contact areas formed by one or more atoms between two conductive electrodes that produce quantum conductance effects when the electron passes through and provide a new development path for the miniaturization of information devices. Recently, nanoionics has enabled the electric field reconfiguration of APC structures in solid-state electrolytes, offering new approaches to controlling the quantum conductance states and may lead to emerging information technologies with low power consumption, high speed, and high density. This review provides a summary of APC structures with a focus on the fabrication methods enabled by nanoionics technology. In particular, the advantages of electric field-driven nanoionics in the construction of APC structures are summarized, and the influence of external fields on quantum conductance effects is discussed. Recent studies on electric field regulation of APC structures to achieve precise control of quantum conductance states are also reviewed. The potential applications of quantum conductance effects in memory, computing, and encryption-related information technologies are further explored. Finally, challenges and future prospects of quantum conductance effects in APC structures are discussed.