SINGLE-MOLECULE DIODES WITH HIGH ON/OFF RATIOS THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

摘要

Techniques for inducing rectification in single-molecule diodes including a symmetric single-molecule adapted to be surrounded by the polar solution. A first electrode can be attached to a first end of the symmetric single-molecule and have a first area adapted for exposure to the polar solution. A second electrode can be attached to a second end of the symmetric single-molecule opposite the first end and have a second area adapted for exposure to the polar solution. The first and second electrodes and the single-molecule can a single-molecule junction, and the first area and second areas of the diodes can differ in size to create an environmental asymmetry. A voltage source can be coupled to the first and second electrodes configured to selectively control the environmental asymmetry and thereby induce current rectification.

主权项

1. A single-molecule diode using a polar environment, comprising:
a single-molecule adapted to be surrounded by the polar environment; a first electrode, attached to a first end of the single-molecule, the first electrode having a first area adapted for exposure to the polar environment; a second electrode, attached to a second end of the single-molecule, the second end being opposite the first end, the second electrode having a second area adapted for exposure to the polar environment; wherein the first and second electrodes and the single-molecule form a single-molecule junction, and wherein the first area of the first electrode is larger than the second area of the second electrode, thereby creating an environmental asymmetry; and a voltage source coupled to the first and second electrodes configured to selectively control the environmental asymmetry and thereby induce current rectification.