We present an in situ and time resolved high-resolution transmission electron microscopy study of the atomistic process during the last elongation stages of gold nanojunctions. In particular, we concentrate on suspended chains of atoms, which have shown to be remarkably stable, although they present rather long bonds (3.0–3.6 Å). One-atom-thick junctions are robust, but their attachment points move rather easily on the metal surface, allowing the accommodation of apex movements or rotations.

• Received 14 August 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.63.073405