Electron-Transport Properties of Na Nanowires under Applied Bias Voltages

We present first-principles calculations on electron transport through Na nanowires at finite bias voltages. The nanowire exhibits a nonlinear current-voltage characteristic and negative differential conductance. The latter is explained by the drastic suppression of the transmission peaks which is attributed to the electron transportability of the negatively biased plinth attached to the end of the nanowire. In addition, the finding that a voltage drop preferentially occurs on the negatively biased side of the nanowire is discussed in relation to the electronic structure and conduction.