Understanding Quantized Conductance in Nano-sized Objects

[Master J]

In nano-sized objects ( at least one dimension < 100 nm) the conductance is quantized. It is given in multiples of G _0 = 2(e^2) / h . Now, that means that Ohm's law would look like I = GV, where G is an integer multiple of G_0.

What does this actually mean however? How does this limit the current that a nano-sized object can carry? And so what if the conductance is quantized...does the above equation not mean that I can increase with V, even if G is a multiple of G_0?

I'm trying to get my head around the implication of this quantization, I hope perhaps some people here might be able to enlighten me!

Thanks!

 

[azntoon]

The implications of this quantization are that the current that a nano-sized object can carry is limited to a certain amount. This limit is determined by the value of G_0. When G is an integer multiple of G_0, the maximum current that the nano-sized object can carry is proportional to G_0. This means that increasing the voltage (V) will not result in an increase in the current (I). Instead, the current will remain constant regardless of the voltage applied. This is because the current is determined by G_0 and not by the applied voltage. Thus, Ohm's law does not hold for nano-sized objects when the conductance is quantized.