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Quantum Interference in Acyclic Systems: Conductance of Cross-Conjugated Molecules

Author(s):

Gemma C. Solomon, David Q. Andrews, Randall H. Goldsmith, Thorsten Hansen, Michael R. Wasielewski, Richard P. Van Duyne, Mark A. Ratner

Journal:

Journal of the American Chemical Society

Year:

2008

Volume:

130

Pages

17301-17308

DOI:

10.1021/ja8044053

Abstract:

We calculate that significant quantum interference effects can be observed in elastic electron
transport through acyclic molecules. Interference features are evident in the transmission characteristics
calculated for cross-conjugated molecules; significantly, these effects dominate the experimentally
observable conduction range. The unusual transport characteristics of these molecules are highlighted
through comparison with linearly conjugated and nonconjugated systems. The cross-conjugated molecules
presented here show a large dynamic range in conductance. These findings represent a new motif for
electron transfer through molecules that exhibit both very high and very low tunneling conductance states
accessible at low bias without nuclear motion. In designing single molecule electronic components, a large
dynamic range allows a high on/off ratio, a parameter of fundamental importance for switches, transistors,
and sensors.

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