Work

Coherent Electron Transport through an Azobenzene Molecule: A Light-Driven Molecular Switch

Year: 2004

Type: article

Abstract: We apply a first-principles computational approach to study a light-sensitive molecular switch. The molecule that comprises the switch can convert between a trans and a cis configuration upon photoexcitation. We find that the conductance of the two isomers varies dramatically, which suggests that this system has potential application as a molecular device. A detailed analysis of the band structure of the metal leads and the local density of states of the system reveals the mechanism of the switch.

Source: Physical Review Letters

DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.92.158301

Authors: C. Zhang, M.-H. Du, H.-P. Cheng, X.-G. Zhang, A. E. Roitberg, J. L. Krause

Institutions: University of Florida, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Molecular Junctions and Nanostructures

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2047322377

FWCI: 14.39

Cites: 20

Cited by: 268

Related to: 10