Current-induced rotation of helical molecular wires

Petr Král, Tamar Seideman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

We show that electric current running through a nanojunction with a biased helical molecule can induce unidirectional rotation of the molecular component. In an electric field, conduction electrons injected into the molecule are accelerated along the helical path going through its body, thereby gaining directed angular momentum. Conservation laws require that an angular momentum of the same size but opposite sense is imparted to the rigid-body rotation of the helix. We describe the angular momentum exchange processes that underlie the operation of the nanorotor, discuss factors limiting its efficiency, and propose potential applications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number184702
JournalJournal of Chemical Physics
Volume123
Issue number18
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Current-induced rotation of helical molecular wires'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this