Quantum Interference and Decoherence in Single-Molecule Junctions: How Vibrations Induce Electrical Current

Härtle R, Butzin M, Rubio-Pons O, Thoss M (2011)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2011

Journal

Physical Review Letters American Physical Society

Publisher: American Physical Society

Book Volume: 107

Pages Range: 046802

URI: http://prl.aps.org/abstract/PRL/v107/i4/e046802

DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.046802

Abstract

Quantum interference and decoherence in single-molecule junctions is analyzed employing a nonequilibrium Green's function approach. Electrons tunneling through quasidegenerate states of a molecular junction exhibit interference effects. We show that electronic-vibrational coupling, inherent to any molecular junction, strongly quenches such interference effects. This decoherence mechanism may cause significantly larger electrical currents and is particularly pronounced if the junction is vibrationally highly excited, e.g., due to inelastic processes in the resonant transport regime. © 2011 American Physical Society.

Authors with CRIS profile

Rainer Härtle Professur für Theoretische Physik mit dem Schwerpunkt Molekulare Materialien Michael Thoss Professur für Theoretische Physik mit dem Schwerpunkt Molekulare Materialien

Additional Organisation(s)

Exzellenz-Cluster Engineering of Advanced Materials

How to cite

APA:

Härtle, R., Butzin, M., Rubio-Pons, O., & Thoss, M. (2011). Quantum Interference and Decoherence in Single-Molecule Junctions: How Vibrations Induce Electrical Current. Physical Review Letters, 107, 046802. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.046802

MLA:

Härtle, Rainer, et al. "Quantum Interference and Decoherence in Single-Molecule Junctions: How Vibrations Induce Electrical Current." Physical Review Letters 107 (2011): 046802.

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