Electron scattering at interfaces: A tight-binding approach

Modified Li chains as atomic switches

We present electronic structure and transport calculations for hydrogen and lithium chains, using density functional theory and scattering theory on the Green's function level, to systematically study impurity effects on the transmission coefficient. To this end we address various impurity configurations. Tight-binding results allow us to interpret our the findings. We analyze under which circumstances impurities lead to level splitting and/or can be used to switch between metallic and insulating states. We also address the effects of strongly electronegative impurities.

Electronic transport calculations for rough interfaces in Al, Cu, Ag, and Au

We present results of electronic structure and transport calculations for metallic interfaces, based on density functional theory and the non-equilibrium Green's function method. Starting from the electronic structure of smooth Al, Cu, Ag, and Au interfaces, we study the effects of different kinds of interface roughness on the transmission coefficient and the I-V characteristic. In particular, we compare prototypical interface distortions, including vacancies and metallic impurities.