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Light-Induced Switching of Tunable Single-Molecule Junctions.
Torsten Sendler1, Katharina Luka-Guth2, Matthias Wieser1
1Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf Bautzner Landstraße 400 01328 Dresden Germany.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|December 17, 2016
Summary
Researchers demonstrated light-controlled switching of diarylethene molecules between conductive and nonconductive states. These single-molecule switches show promise for molecular electronics due to their suitable conductance and switching efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Electronics
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Molecular electronics aims to create devices from single molecules.
- Single-molecular switches are key components for future electronic devices.
- Diarylethene molecules offer potential for light-controlled switching.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate controlled in situ switching of diarylethene molecules.
- To characterize the conductance and switching efficiency of molecular junctions.
- To investigate the impact of substituents on molecular switching.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of gold nanoelectrodes.
- In situ light irradiation for molecular switching.
- Conductance measurements of single-molecule junctions.
- Quantum chemical calculations.
Main Results:
- Diarylethene molecules switched between conductive and nonconductive states upon light irradiation.
- Identified molecular energy levels (E0) and broadening (Γ) governing current transport.
- Electron-withdrawing groups reduced conductance but not switching efficiency.
- Light-induced ring-forming isomerization confirmed.
Conclusions:
- Diarylethene molecules are suitable for molecular electronics applications.
- Molecular switching is driven by light-induced isomerization.
- Substituent effects on conductance are understood through electronic state analysis.
