Georgia Tech

Title: Spin Dependent Quantum Interference Effects in Granular Systems

Abstract:

We describe measurements of quantum effects on conductance of nanometer scale granular gold bridges. The nominal mean free path in these devices is much shorter than the Fermi wavelength, leading to unique quantum interference effects. In particular, the conductance fluctuations with magnetic field are based on electron-spin, not the Aharonov-Bohm effect. In addition, spin-orbit scattering is greatly suppressed relative to that in homogeneous metals, which we explain by the granularity.