Self-consistent theory of molecular switching

Details Self-consistent theory of molecular switching Self-consistent theory of molecular switching

2008-06-06

arxiv.org/abs/0806.1151v1

Physical Review B 78 (2008) 085127

Physics

Condensed Matter

Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevB.78.085127

We study the model of a molecular switch comprised of a molecule with a soft vibrational degree of freedom coupled to metallic leads. In the presence of strong electron-ion interaction, different charge states of the molecule correspond to substantially different ionic configurations, which can lead to very slow switching between energetically close configurations (Franck-Condon blockade). Application of transport voltage, however, can drive the molecule far out of thermal equilibrium and thus dramatically accelerate the switching. The tunneling electrons play the role of a heat bath with an effective temperature dependent on the applied transport voltage. Including the transport-induced "heating" selfconsistently, we determine the stationary current-voltage characteristics of the device, and the switching dynamics for symmetric and asymmetric devices. We also study the effects of an extra dissipative environment and demonstrate that it can lead to enhanced non-linearities in the transport properties of the device and dramatically suppress the switching dynamics.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Self-consistent theory of molecular switching does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Self-consistent theory of molecular switching, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Self-consistent theory of molecular switching will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-172606