Chains of Phosphorus Atoms

Recently, researchers have managed to create one-dimensional structures in which phosphorus atoms align into short chains on a silver substrate under specific conditions. While these chains are morphologically one-dimensional, they may still interact laterally with neighboring chains. Such interactions can alter their electronic structure, potentially disrupting their pure one-dimensional nature. Until now, however, accurately measuring these effects in experiments has remained a challenge.

Figure 1. Scientists Unveil True One-Dimensional Electronic Properties in a Material.

“Through a detailed analysis of measurements conducted at BESSY II, we have now demonstrated that these phosphorus chains truly exhibit a one-dimensional electronic structure,” explains Professor Oliver Rader, head of the Spin and Topology in Quantum Materials department at HZB. Figure 1 shows Scientists Unveil True One-Dimensional Electronic Properties in a Material.

Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) at BESSY II, the researchers confirmed the one-dimensional electronic structure. “We obtained exceptionally high-quality results that allowed us to observe standing electron waves forming between the chains,” says Varykhalov.

Phase Transition Predicted with Increasing Chain Density

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations supported these findings and led to an intriguing prediction: as the phosphorus chains become more closely packed, their interactions intensify. This suggests a phase transition—from semiconducting to metallic behavior—as the chain density increases. In such a configuration, a two-dimensional network of phosphorus chains would exhibit metallic properties.

Building One-Dimensional Phosphorus Chains

Researchers have successfully created structures where phosphorus atoms align into short chains on a silver substrate. These chains are physically one-dimensional, but scientists suspected that neighboring chains might interact and disrupt their electronic purity. Until recently, experimental methods were not precise enough to confirm whether these chains truly behaved as one-dimensional electronic systems.

Experimental Proof from BESSY II

Using advanced techniques at BESSY II, Professor Oliver Rader’s team at HZB conducted a detailed investigation. Dr. Andrei Varykhalov and his group used a cryogenic scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to visualize phosphorus chains arranged at 120-degree angles. Then, with angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), they confirmed a genuinely one-dimensional electronic structure. Remarkably, they observed standing electron waves forming between the chains—clear evidence of distinct 1D behavior.

Predicting a Phase Transition

Further analysis by Dr. Maxim Krivenkov and Dr. Maryam Sajedi revealed that as these chains are brought closer together, their interactions strengthen. Supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the findings predict a phase transition: the material could shift from a semiconductor to a metal as chain density increases. This opens an entirely new frontier in condensed matter physics, where manipulating atomic arrangements could lead to novel electronic materials with tunable properties.

Source:SciTECHDaily

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2025), Scientists Confirm Genuine One-Dimensional Electronic Behavior in a Material, AnaTechMaz, pp. 300