Angewandte Phys Chemie

Molecular electronics

Light-induced (collective) isomerisation of a molecular switch & molecular cargo lifter

Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 47, 3407 (2008) and Adv. Func. Mater. 18, 2972 (2008)

Our results demonstrate azobenzene-based molecules, it is possible to photoswitch the current through a molecular junction and to develop a prototypical molecular machine that acts as a cargo lifter. Our system holds potential as a photoswitchable monolayer for nanoelectronics, for example, for diodes and transistors. Furthermore, these findings pave the way towards the fabrication of a new class of devices based on the force expressed by molecules organized in films, and towards optically switchable nanoelectronic circuitry.

Surface Science & Analytics - Prof. (apl.) Dr. Michael Zharnikov

Molecular electronics

Light-induced (collective) isomerisation of a molecular switch & molecular cargo lifter