Programmable Charge Transport in a Multichannel Single-Molecule Parallel Circuit

Advances in molecular electronics focus on developing miniaturized electronic devices by leveraging molecules as fundamental building blocks. This approach exploits the unique structural properties of molecules and the robustness of their interfacial interactions with electrodes to achieve enhanced functionalities at the nanoscale. Achieving optimal balance between strong and weak interfacial couplings in molecular-scale devices to reconcile competing performance and stability requirements remains a significant scientific challenge. Here, we introduce a hybrid coupling strategy utilizing multichannel parallel circuits to integrate the stability of strong coupling with the high-energy molecular orbitals of weak coupling. Through precise mechanical modulation of interfacial coupling, we demonstrate programmable ternary switching and storage devices, achieving On/Off ratios exceeding 10² and switching frequencies up to 950 Hz via tip manipulation experiments. This investigation illuminates the complex dynamics of interfacial coupling in molecular devices and proposes a promising approach to optimize device stability and functionality by harmonizing strong and weak coupling in multichannel parallel circuits.