Switching property of atomic switch controlled by solid electrochemical reaction

We measured the switching time of an atomic switch that is operated by controlling the formation and annihilation of an atomic bridge in a nanogap between two electrodes using solid electrochemical reaction. The switching time becomes exponentially shorter with increasing the switching bias voltage. This exponential relation indicates that the switching time is determined by the solid electrochemical reaction, which is supported by theoretical estimation using a simple model. These results suggest the possibility that the atomic switch can be operated as fast as semiconductor devices currently used.