Exploring Conductance Switching Properties of Molecular Scale Devices - A Computational Approach

Physical Chemistry Seminar Series

A computational approach is used and developed to study electron transport through molecular and nano scale devices. New models and methods to describe transient electron conductance through molecular systems under the influence of time dependent perturbations are used to study quantum interference effects affecting the conductance. Coherence-driven processes related to electron transport are investigated.

We will also describe several studies on molecular scale systems and provide insight into mechanisms underlying electronic-transport switching properties. Several recent high-profile experimental studies achieving molecular scale conductance are considered. These involve metal recognition properties of short peptides and fabricated molecular sockets based on surface confined terpyridine ligands. If time allows we will also describe: Spin-dependent electronic transport through a Porphyrin ring ligating an Fe(II) atom, and contact geometry and orientation effects of conjugated molecular field-effect transistors.

For more information contact Prof. David Sherrill (404-894-4037).