Electron transport through molecules

Development of electronic components of atomic dimensions which use quantum effects has fascinated researchers in many years. Back in 1974 Arieh Aviram and Mark Ratner proposed a model for a molecular rectifier[1], but at that time it seemed impossible to realise and contact such electronic molecular components. However, new developments in chemical synthesis and lithographic techniques made it possible for researchers in 1998 to build the first molecular field effect transistor of a carbon nanotube[2], and in 1999 an irreversible molecular flip-flop was realised for a Rotane molecule[3]. To build new molecular devices it is important to understand the transport mechanism through single molecules. The purpose of the molecular electronics project at MIC is to understand this charge transport through a combined theoretical and experimental effort, and use the understanding to propose and realise new molecular devices.
[1] A. Aviram and M. A. Ratner, Chem. Phys. Lett. 29, 277 (1974).
[2] S. Tans, R. M. Verschueren, and C. Dekker, Nature 393, 49 (1998).
[3] C. P. Collier et. al., Science 285, 391 (1999).