Arizona State University: PI  Dr. Nongjian Tao

    University of Chicago: PI  Dr. Luping Yu

    University of South Florida: PI  Dr. Ivan Oleynik

To synthesize new designer molecules that will function as molecular diodes, transistors, switches and information storage elements (University of Chicago (UoC) team).

To assemble these designer molecules into nanocircuitry using STM, conducting AFM, and electrochemical break junctions for electrical characterization of single-molecule devices (Arizona State University (ASU) team).

To develop fundamental principles of the operation of specific molecular devices to be synthesized and assembled into nanocircuitry using the theory of electron and hole resonant tunneling conduction (University of South Florida (USF) team).

    Organic synthesis (UoC): A new dipyridinyl-diphenyl di-block diode molecule has been synthesized by UoC team. The effect of anchoring groups on rectification behavior was studied. New structures based on diblock-oligomers, and thiol and isocyanide anchors have been synthesized. The molecules were transferred to ASU team for electrical characterization using break junctions.

    Device characterization (ASU): The new STM AC-modulation break junctions technique has been developed and applied to study the rectification behavior of the new dipyridinyl-diphenyl diode molecule. A new low-temperature system has been devised to examine the temperature effects on transport properties. investigated by scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). The new dipyridinyl-diphenyl di-block diode molecule was found to possess superior rectification properties.

    Theory and modeling of single molecular devices (USF): Theory of resonant tunneling in single molecular devices has been developed and applied to model electron transport in the new dipyridinyl-diphenyl diode molecule. The experimental results have been interpreted in terms of fundamental mechanisms of charge transport. The USF group has also studied the effects of electron-plasmon interactions and predicted several interesting phenomena, including photon emission upon plasmon excitation in resonant molecular tunnel junctions (MTJs).