Probing Contact Effects in Molecular Junctions

Abstract

CHE-0315165

Frisbie/Minnesota

This collaborative research project between Professor Frisbie and Professor Zhu at the University of Minnesota addresses the problem of metal-molecule contacts in molecular electronic devices. With the support of the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, Frisbie and Zhu and their coworkers are examining the electronic structure of metal molecule contacts using time resolved two-photon photoemission spectroscopy. The electronic structure of the contact is then correlated with its electron transport properties determined using conducting probe atomic force microscopy. Information from this fundamental study is useful in the understanding and further design of molecular electronic devices and nano-structures used in the electronics industry.

Understanding the connection between the detailed electronic structure of a metal-molecule contact and its conductivity properties is the goal of the work of Professors Frisbie and Zhu at the University of Minnesota. Using photoemission spectroscopy and scanning probe microscopy they are measuring these properties for a variety of model molecular electronics systems. Results of this work impact the growing field of molecular and nano-scale electronics.