Abstract
We have developed a measurement system for investigating metal atomic contacts under defined environmental conditions (0.1 Pa–105 Pa, 4 K–300 K). Using this newly developed system, the conductance behavior and lifetime of Au atomic contacts were investigated in vacuum and in an oxygen atmosphere (～105 Pa) at room temperature. The conductance curves and conductance histograms of the Au contacts in vacuum agreed with those measured in the oxygen atmosphere, indicating a weak interaction between oxygen and Au atomic contact. While the conductance behavior was not affected by the presence of oxygen, the lifetime of the Au atomic contact was slightly increased by the presence of oxygen.
