Portable Device for Multipurpose Research on Dendritic Yanson Point Contacts and Quantum Sensing

Nanomaterials (Basel). 2023 Mar 9;13(6):996. doi: 10.3390/nano13060996.

Abstract

Quantum structures are ideal objects by which to discover and study new sensor mechanisms and implement advanced approaches in sensor analysis to develop innovative sensor devices. Among them, one of the most interesting representatives is the Yanson point contact. It allows the implementation of a simple technological chain to activate the quantum mechanisms of selective detection in gaseous and liquid media. In this work, a portable device for multipurpose research on dendritic Yanson point contacts and quantum sensing was developed and manufactured. The device allows one to create dendritic Yanson point contacts and study their quantum properties, which are clearly manifested in the process of the electrochemical cyclic switchover effect. The device tests demonstrated that it was possible to gather data on the compositions and characteristics of the synthesized substances, and on the electrochemical processes that influence the production of dendritic Yanson point contacts, as well as on the electrophysical processes that provide information on the quantum nature of the electrical conductance of dendritic Yanson point contacts. The small size of the device makes it simple to integrate into a micro-Raman spectrometer setup. The developed device may be used as a prototype for designing a quantum sensor that will serve as the foundation for cutting-edge sensor technologies, as well as be applied to research into atomic-scale junctions, single-atom transistors, and any relative subjects.

Keywords: Raman spectroscopy; Yanson point contact; conductance quantization; cyclic switchover effect; dendrite; quantum sensor device.