RESISTANCE OF ATOMIC WIRES

The resistance of wires consisting of 1-3 atoms connecting two semi-in finite metallic electrodes is calculated for both small and large bias . The wires discussed consist of Al atoms, with one of the Al atoms su bstituted by S in certain cases. The resistances obtained are in the r ange 7-similar to 30 k Omega. For the three-atom wire, the value of th e resistance when thr: S atom is present depends on the order of the a toms in the wire. When the S is an end atom, the resistance at larger bias also shows a dependence on polarity (diode behavior). These studi es involve a self-consistent calculation of the electron density distr ibution for the entire electrode/wire system.