Studies have recently shown tiny wires made by precisely placing chains of phosphorus atoms within a silicon crystal has been proven to have excellent electrical conductivity. The new silicon wire is four atoms wide and one atom tall showing that ‘electrical resistivity’ — or ease with which the current can flow — definitely doesn’t depend on wire width.

Researchers working on the study were able to get the wire to the atomic level by using a technique called scanning tunneling microscopy. It allows scientists to image individual atoms and to manipulate them and place them in position.

The study, detailed in the journal Science, opens up the hope silicon wires can serve to connect the atomic scale components of quantum computers.

It also reinforces a basic fundamental of physics — Ohm’s law — that states conducting a current between two points is directly proportional to the potential difference across the two points. via Dvice

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