2D-1D coupling in cleaved edge overgrowth

The scattering properties of the interface between a one-dimensional (1D) wire and a two-dimensional (2D) electron gas were studied. Experiments were conducted on the cleaved edge of a high quality GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well. The creation of variable length 2D-1D coupling sections is allowed in such type of structures. Ballastic 1D electron transport through these regions with a mean free path of 6 μm was found. The results showed that the origin of quantized conductance was electron scattering across the 2D-1D interface at the contacts. Traditional evaporated metal contacts to one-dimensional molecules which were conjectured to inject and remove electrons can be subjected to similar mechanisms.