Year: 2009
Type: article
Abstract: We analyze the formation and evolution statistics of single-molecule junctions bonded to gold electrodes using amine, methyl sulfide, and dimethyl phosphine link groups by measuring conductance as a function of junction elongation. For each link, the maximum elongation and formation probability increase with molecular length, strongly suggesting that processes other than just metal-molecule bond breakage play a key role in junction evolution under stress. Density functional theory calculations of adiabatic trajectories show sequences of atomic-scale changes in junction structure, including shifts in the attachment point, that account for the long conductance plateau lengths observed.
Source: Physical Review Letters
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2062166563