Field-induced Gap and Quantized Charge Pumping in Nano-helix

Qi, Xiao-Liang ; /Stanford U., Phys. Dept. /Tsinghua U., Beijing ; Zhang, Shou-Cheng ; /Stanford U., Phys. Dept.

Stanford Linear Accelerator Center

关键词: Precession;    Dna;    99 General And Miscellaneous//Mathematics, Computing, And Information Science;    Pumping;    Electrodes;   

DOI  :  10.2172/972233
RP-ID  :  SLAC-PUB-13914
RP-ID  :  AC02-76SF00515
RP-ID  :  972233

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

We propose several novel physical phenomena based on nano-scale helical wires. Applying a static electric field transverse to the helical wire induces a metal to insulator transition, with the band gap determined by the applied voltage. Similar idea can be applied to 'geometrically' constructing one-dimensional systems with arbitrary external potential. With a quadrupolar electrode configuration, the electric field could rotate in the transverse plane, leading to a quantized dc charge current proportional to the frequency of the rotation. Such a device could be used as a new standard for the high precession measurement of the electric current. The inverse effect implies that passing an electric current through a helical wire in the presence of a transverse static electric field can lead to a mechanical rotation of the helix. This effect can be used to construct nano-scale electro-mechanical motors. Finally, our methodology also enables new ways of controlling and measuring the electronic properties of helical biological molecules such as the DNA.