Spin-dependent conductance switching in organic molecular junctions

POSTER

Abstract

We use density-functional theory to calculate the electronic transport through single molecules attached to capped (5,5) carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as leads. We observed a strong variation in the electrical conductance with respect to the spin-state of the junction. The singlet state exhibits high conductance whereas the triplet low. The deformation of the CNTs' cap structure, upon covalent adsorption of the phenyl rings, triggers the spin dependence in the organic junctions. Two different $\pi$-conjugated phenylene-vinylene-containing molecules were tested, yielding similar behavior.

*Acknowledgement: this work is supported by the DOE under Grant No. DE-FG02-02ER45995.

Authors

  • Yun-Wen Chen

    • Department of Physics and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida

  • Luis A. Agapito

    • Physics Dept. and Quantum Theory Project - University of Florida
    • Department of Physics and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida

  • Hai-Ping Cheng

    • Quantum Theory Project, Department of Physics, University of Florda
    • Department of Physics and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida
    • Department of Physics, University of Florida
    • Quantum Theory Project and Department of Physics, University of Florida
    • Physics Dept.