Experimental Evidence for Quantum Interference and Vibrationally Induced Decoherence in Single-Molecule Junctions

Ballmann S, Härtle R, Brana Coto P, Elbing M, Mayor M, Bryce M, Thoss M, Weber HB (2012)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2012

Journal

Physical Review Letters American Physical Society

Publisher: American Physical Society

Book Volume: 109

Pages Range: 056801

DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.056801

Abstract

We analyze quantum interference and decoherence effects in single-molecule junctions both experimentally and theoretically by means of the mechanically controlled break junction technique and density-functional theory. We consider the case where interference is provided by overlapping quasidegenerate states. Decoherence mechanisms arising from electronic-vibrational coupling strongly affect the electrical current flowing through a single-molecule contact and can be controlled by temperature variation. Our findings underline the universal relevance of vibrations for understanding charge transport through molecular junctions. © 2012 American Physical Society.

Authors with CRIS profile

Rainer Härtle Professur für Theoretische Physik mit dem Schwerpunkt Molekulare Materialien Pedro Brana Coto Professur für Theoretische Physik mit dem Schwerpunkt Molekulare Materialien Michael Thoss Professur für Theoretische Physik mit dem Schwerpunkt Molekulare Materialien Heiko Weber Chair of Applied Physics (LAP)

Additional Organisation(s)

Exzellenz-Cluster Engineering of Advanced Materials (EAM)

Involved external institutions

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) DE Germany (DE) Universität Basel CH Switzerland (CH)

How to cite

APA:

Ballmann, S., Härtle, R., Brana Coto, P., Elbing, M., Mayor, M., Bryce, M.,... Weber, H.B. (2012). Experimental Evidence for Quantum Interference and Vibrationally Induced Decoherence in Single-Molecule Junctions. Physical Review Letters, 109, 056801. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.056801

MLA:

Ballmann, Stefan, et al. "Experimental Evidence for Quantum Interference and Vibrationally Induced Decoherence in Single-Molecule Junctions." Physical Review Letters 109 (2012): 056801.

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