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The conductance-voltage G(V) characteristics for contacts between electrodes of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite were studied in a wide range of G(0), bias voltages, and temperatures using the mechanically controllable break junction technique. Our results show a striking resemblance to corresponding data for conducting multiwall carbon nanotubes. For high-ohmic contacts between a single or a few graphene sheets, zero bias anomalies related to strong e–e Coulomb interactions and quantum interference of electrons is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an accurate method for calibration of the relative displacement of mechanically controllable break junction electrodes and determination of the metal work function using oscillating behavior of tunnel conductance in a field emission region. Junction conductivity in the field emission region; Accuracy of the method.

The thermal expansion dynamics of W, Pt–Ir, and Au mechanically controllable break junction electrodes was studied in the millisecond range. By measuring a transient tunnel current as a function of time, we found that, at low temperatures, the electrode elongation Δs∼t[sup ½] due to the large values of thermal diffusivity of metals. The magnitude of Δs varies in direct proportion to the power P dissipated in the electrodes. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]