Metallic Chains/ Chains of Metals

Physics in one dimension is different from physics in three dimensions. However, our surrounding world is truly three-dimensional, and any experimentally realized system is at most quasi-one-dimensional. Moreover, in particular metal atoms have a tendency to form closed-packed structures with no directional chemical bonds. Nevertheless, metallic chains and chains of metals can be produced experimentally, synthesized, or even found in Nature. In this volume a large variety of such systems are being discussed, both from an experimental and from a theoretical point of view. The authors start with discussing some of the peculiarities that are expected in physics in one dimension. Subsequently, they discuss chains of various elements that are produced either in break-junction experiment or as deposited on surfaces. Nanowires of Au is discussed in great detail as a prototype of sd elements. Similarly, the authors discuss chains formed by Al or C atoms as examples of sp elements, and chains of Na as an example of s elements. Subsequently, more complex systems, including nanowires containing more types of atoms, chains as guests inside host crystals, and crystals that contain chains are being discussed. Following this, the authors turn their attention to organic systems that also possess metallic behaviours, most notably the so-called synthetic metals or conjugated polymers. Finally, organic charge-transfer salts are being discussed. For each system individually, the authors discuss the peculiarities of it as well as relate its properties to those of truly one-dimensional systems. The background of the authors (engineering, physics, and chemistry) allows them to present an unusually broad discussion of a very large class of systems that all somehow belong to the class of materials called metallic chains / chains of metals. The book presents an introduction to an exciting and currently intensively studied field. The reader is expected to have a background in chemistry, physics, or materials science, but not to be expert in nanowires.Springborg, Michael is the author of 'Metallic Chains/ Chains of Metals ', published 2007 under ISBN 9780444513809 and ISBN 0444513809.