Probe-based measurement of lateral single-electron transfer between individual molecules

Wolfram Steurer, Shadi Fatayer, Leo Gross and Gerhard Meyer ()
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Wolfram Steurer: IBM Research-Zurich
Shadi Fatayer: IBM Research-Zurich
Leo Gross: IBM Research-Zurich
Gerhard Meyer: IBM Research-Zurich

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-5

Abstract: Abstract The field of molecular electronics aims at using single molecules as functional building blocks for electronics components, such as switches, rectifiers or transistors. A key challenge is to perform measurements with atomistic control over the alignment of the molecule and its contacting electrodes. Here we use atomic force microscopy to examine charge transfer between weakly coupled pentacene molecules on insulating films with single-electron sensitivity and control over the atomistic details. We show that, in addition to the imaging capability, the probe tip can be used to control the charge state of individual molecules and to detect charge transfers to/from the tip, as well as between individual molecules. Our approach represents a novel route for molecular charge transfer studies with a host of opportunities, especially in combination with single atom/molecule manipulation and nanopatterning techniques.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9353

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