No small measure: Probing the mechanics of gold contacts at the nanoscale: New method allows scientists to precisely measure the strength of nanomaterials only a few atoms thick

The physical properties at the surface of nanomaterial structures become much more prominent as they approach atomic scales. In a recent study, scientists accurately measured the mechanical strength at the surface of gold nanocontacts as they were progressively stretched down to only a few atoms. Their findings, along with their innovative nanomechanics measurement method, could open doors to nanoelectromechanical systems and next-generation sensors.