Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 22, 2025

Ultrafast Time-resolved Near-IR Stimulated Raman Measurements of Functional π-conjugate Systems
Published on: February 10, 2020
Probing energy dissipation in molecular-scale junctions via surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy: vibrational pumping
Yunxuan Zhu1, Douglas Natelson1,2,3, Longji Cui1,4,5
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America.
Abstract:
Experimentally resolving the microscopic energy dissipation and redistribution pathways in a molecular-scale junction, the smallest possible nanoelectronic device, is of great current interest. Here we report measurements of the vibrational pumping and light emission processes in current-carrying molecular junctions using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. We show that the heating of vibrational modes exhibits distinct features when the molecular junctions are driven by electrical bias or optical power. We further discuss the hot carrier origin of the broadband continuum emission observed in the Raman scattering spectrum.
Related Concept Videos
Raman Spectroscopy: Overview
However, a small fraction of the scattered light exhibits a frequency shift due to the exchange of energy between the incident photons and...
Molecular Spectroscopy: Absorption and Emission
Raman Spectroscopy Instrumentation: Overview
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Molecular Electronic Transitions
IR Spectroscopy: Molecular Vibration Overview
Stretching vibrations are vibrational motions that occur along the bond line, changing the bond length or distance between two bonded atoms. They are further distinguished as symmetric or asymmetric. In symmetric stretching, the...
IR Spectroscopy: Hooke's Law Approximation of Molecular Vibration
According to Hooke's law, the vibrational frequency is directly proportional to...

