Molecular Electronic Devices
- Technology Benefits
- TunableconductanceFast switchingwithout charging or conformational change in the molecule
- Detailed Technology Description
- Novel conductance characteristics of cross-conjugated molecules can be exploited for fabrication of various electronic devices #electronics #materials #electonic
- *Abstract
-
Northwestern University scientists have discovered unique electron transport properties of cross-conjugated molecules. The conductance of cross-conjugated molecules can be modulated by various mechanisms, like a chemical reaction of a side group or applied voltage, which will allow these molecules to be incorporated into a sensors, transistors etc. Importantly, the tunable conductance of cross-conjugated molecules makes them distinct from linearly conjugated and saturated ones, which exhibit either a high or a low conductance. Cross-conjugated molecules could be fashioned into thin films for device fabrication or operate as single-molecule devices. Furthermore, conductance switching is fast because it does not require a modification of the cross-conjugated molecule. Therefore, sensors and switches based on these molecules could be vastly superior to those relying on other mechanisms.
- *Inventors
- Mark Ratner*Gemma SolomonDavid Andrews
- *Publications
- Solomon GC, Andrews DQ,Goldsmith RH, Hansen T, Wasielewski MR, Van Duyne RP, Ratner MA (2008). QuantumInterference in Acyclic Systems: Conductance of Cross-Conjugated Molecules, Journal of the American ChemistrySociety. 130: 17301-17308.
- Country/Region
- USA
