Quantum conductivity in single and coupled quantum-dimensional particles of narrow-gap semiconductors

An organo-modified ordered layered structure with three-dimensional close packing based on colloidal quantum-sized particles (QP) of InSb, PbS, CdSe semiconductors and Langmuir–Blodgett films has been fabricated and studied. According to the current-voltage characteristics (CVC) of single-electron transport in the model of a nanocell with a linear chain QP across the layers, the processes limiting conductivity were established: emission-injection tunneling from a probe into a nanoparticle, motion in a nanoparticle determined by the establishment of an electronic wave process in it, and tunneling through a nanogap between nanoparticles. Quasi-periodic oscillations of the current and resonant peaks of quantum conductivity are observed on the I–V characteristics, which were estimated in the quantum wire model. For an even number of layers (QP, 2, or 4), the I–V characteristics were used to determine the attenuation of size quantization and the decrease in current due to the weak interaction of nanoparticles. With an odd number (3 or 5), the nanochain acts as a single quantum thread with manifestations on the CVC similar to the cases of one QP. In this case, the motion of an electron can be considered as a one-electron charge wave.