Quantum-Interference-Controlled Molecular Electronics
Author(s):
San-Huang Ke, Weitao Yang, Harold U. Baranger
Journal:
Nano Letters
Year:
2008
Volume:
8
Pages
3257–3261
DOI:
10.1021/nl8016175
Abstract:
Quantum interference in coherent transport through single molecular rings may provide a mechanism to control the current in molecular electronics. We investigate its applicability, using a single-particle Green function method combined with ab initio electronic structure calculations. We find that the quantum interference effect (QIE) is strongly dependent on the interaction between molecular π-states and contact σ-states. It is masked by σ tunneling in small molecular rings with Au leads, such as benzene, due to strong π−σ hybridization, while it is preserved in large rings, such as [18]annulene, which then could be used to realize quantum interference effect (QIE) transistors.