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Automated fabrication technique of gold tips for use in point-contact spectroscopy

Authors :
Narasiwodeyar, S.
Dwyer, M.
Liu, M.
Park, W. K.
Greene, L. H.
Source :
Rev. Sci. Instrum. 86, 033903 (2015)
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

For a successful point-contact spectroscopy (PCS) measurement, metallic tips of proper shape and smoothness are essential to ensure the ballistic nature of a point-contact junction. Until recently, the fabrication of Au tips suitable for use in point-contact spectroscopy has remained more of an art involving a trial and error method rather than an automated scientific process. To address these issues, we have developed a technique with which one can prepare high quality Au tips reproducibly and systematically. It involves an electronic control of the driving voltages used for an electrochemical etching of a gold wire in an HCl-glycerol mixture or an HCl solution. We find that a stopping current, below which the circuit is set to shut off, is a single very important parameter to produce an Au tip of desired shape. We present detailed descriptions for a two-step etching process for Au tips and also test results from PCS measurements using them.<br />Comment: 16 pages, 5 figures, submitted to Rev. Sci. Instrum

Details

Database :
arXiv
Journal :
Rev. Sci. Instrum. 86, 033903 (2015)
Publication Type :
Report
Accession number :
edsarx.1412.8201
Document Type :
Working Paper
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4913661