Abstract
We propose a design for a class of molecular rotors fixed to a semiconductor surface, induced by a moderately intense, linearly polarized laser pulse. The rotor consists of an organic molecule possessing a polarizable headgroup that is attached via a linear component to the surface. The polarization direction in parallel to the surface plane is determined so as to maximize the torque experienced by the molecular headgroup and, hence, the duration of the ensuing rotation, while also controlling the sense of rotation. We find that the molecule continues to rotate for many rotational periods after the laser pulse turns off, before multiple scattering by the potential barrier results in dephasing.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 21133-21137 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Physical Chemistry C |
Volume | 120 |
Issue number | 37 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 22 2016 |
Funding
The authors thank the Department of Energy (Award No. DEFG02-04ER15612/0011) and the National Science Foundation (Award No. DMR-1121262 to the Northwestern Materials Research Center) for support of this research.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- General Energy
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films