Mechanically Controllable Break (MCB) junctions and Molecular Physics
During the last years there has been a substantial development in our understanding of tiny single molecule quantum systems. It turns out that the space, "nothing", embedding the system has a profound impact on the electrical characteristics of the system. By applying a microscopic layer of tetrahydrofuran (THF) fluid the embedding space can be electrically shielded from the system.
The aim of this site is to provide insight in the fundamentals of these systems for everyone interested in this fascinating micro-world where new physics and quantum effects will be revealed.
Further reading:
- A pivoting mechanically controllable break junction setup enabling "partially wet phase" MCB-junctions.
- Decoupling environmental modes from tunneling electrons in a partially wet phase molecular mechanically controllable break junction.
- Detailing the natural creation process of a single molecule MCB junction in the partially wet phase.
A single molecule MCB junction in the partially wet phase
An impression of a single molecule junction in the partially wet phase, not to scale. The blue/purple layer represents the THF partially wet phase layer. The red liner represents the finite width of the surface potential, trapping charge carriers at the THF/air interface. Thus, creating a miniature Faraday cage shielding the environment from the molecular system.
Decoupling environmental modes enabling one dimensional conduction
Schematic representation of a: a single junction, b: a double junction, c: a single junction in the partially wet phase, d: a double junction in the partially wet phase.
A schematic simplified representation of the junctions under study. The single molecule is connected to two quantum wires enabling true one dimensional conduction.