2021-02-072021-02-072010-11-091098-01211550-235Xhttp://dx.doi.org/10.34944/dspace/6031677MD (isidoc)http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12613/6049It is shown that the finite elasticity of atomic-sized gold constrictions allows for a continuous and reversible change in conductance. This is achieved by superposition of atomic-scale or subatomic-scale mechanical oscillations on a steadily retracting/approaching gold tip against a gold substrate. Through these perturbation studies, we report the direct observation of channel saturation and conductance quantization in stable, single-atom gold constrictions. In addition, the origin of peaks in conductance histograms is explained, and the peaks alone are shown to be insufficient in evaluating the stability of atomic configurations. © 2010 The American Physical Society.195416-enhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/cond-mat.mes-hallcond-mat.mes-hallArticle2021-02-07