Optically induced transport through semiconductor-based molecular electronics

Guangqi Li, Boris D. Fainberg, Tamar Seideman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

A tight binding model is used to investigate photoinduced tunneling current through a molecular bridge coupled to two semiconductor electrodes. A quantum master equation is developed within a non-Markovian theory based on second-order perturbation theory with respect to the molecule-semiconductor electrode coupling. The spectral functions are generated using a one dimensional alternating bond model, and the coupling between the molecule and the electrodes is expressed through a corresponding correlation function. Since the molecular bridge orbitals are inside the bandgap between the conduction and valence bands, charge carrier tunneling is inhibited in the dark. Subject to the dipole interaction with the laser field, virtual molecular states are generated via the absorption and emission of photons, and new tunneling channels open. Interesting phenomena arising from memory are noted. Such a phenomenon could serve as a switch.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number154111
JournalJournal of Chemical Physics
Volume142
Issue number15
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 17 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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