Geometry dependence of the conductance oscillations of monovalent atomic chains

Abstract

Using a tight binding model we calculate the conductance of monovalent atomic chains for different contact geometries. The leads connected to the chains are modelled as semi-infinite fcc lattices with different orientations and couplings. Our aim is twofold: To check the validity of a three-parametric conductance formula for differently oriented leads, and to investigate the geometry dependence of the conductance oscillations. We show that the character of these oscillations depends strongly on the geometry of the chain-lead coupling.