Characterizing molecular junctions through the mechanically controlled break-junction approach

Abstract

Mechanically controlled break-junction techniques, which emerged right after the invention of scanning tunneling microscopy, have enabled substantial progress in characterizing single-molecule junctions toward the ultimate goal of molecular devices. Dramatic advances have been made in design, fabrication, control, and understanding of the measurements of singlemolecule junctions over the past decade. In this overview, we present the evolution of some of the recent issues, and an outlook for further developments in mechanically controlled breakjunction techniques for characterizing molecular junctions. Topics of recent interest include contact geometry, electrochemical redox experiments, external bias effect, and environmental influences. Each will need further investigation to thoroughly understand the experimental information revealed from a molecular junction.

Computational study of the role of counterions and solvent dielectric in determining the conductance of B-DNA

“…Depending on the sequence of DNA, the environmental factors, such as the dielectric constant of solvents, the position and/or the local density of counterions surrounding DNA, become essential in determining DNA conformation and thus conductance. The electronic properties of DNA have been actively studied over the last two decades [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. However, the complex environment that a DNA molecule is in makes it challenging to analyze and interpret experimental results.…”

Magnetoresistance originated from the Au/S interface in Au/1,6-hexanedithiol/Au single-molecule junctions at room temperature

“…We employed the mechanically controllable break-junction (MCBJ) method in this study. 17 The single-molecule junction was reported to be sustained for a long period, e.g., tens of seconds to hours even at room temperature using this technique. 18,19 The mechanism of the MCBJ method is briefly shown in Fig.…”