Investigation of electronic excited states in single-molecule junctions

Plasmon‐Molecule Interactions in Single‐Molecule Junctions

“…Molecular electronics can potentially functionalize and integrate nanoscale electronic devices, with anticipated roles in information communication and molecular computing. [1][2][3][4][5][6] In this context, by using photons for information, molecular optoelectronics offer high frequency, wide bandwidth, and high-speed capabilities, making them a crucial solution for surpassing conventional semiconductor chip limitations. [7][8][9][10] However, challenges still need to be solved in the low luminescence efficiency of single-molecule optoelectronic devices and the complexity of modulating spectral properties.…”

“…Understanding plasmonic properties and control methods in SMJs can reveal the secret to achieving efficient applications. [4] In this review, we summarize the latest research progress on plasmons in SMJs (Figure 1). Firstly, we introduce plasmonic principle and implementation methods in SMJs.…”

“…Molecular electronics can potentially functionalize and integrate nanoscale electronic devices, with anticipated roles in information communication and molecular computing [1–6] . In this context, by using photons for information, molecular optoelectronics offer high frequency, wide bandwidth, and high‐speed capabilities, making them a crucial solution for surpassing conventional semiconductor chip limitations [7–10] .…”

“…With their diverse luminescent properties, comprehensive spectral coverage, and stable features, molecules provide us with a broad range of possibilities for manipulation and control. Understanding plasmonic properties and control methods in SMJs can reveal the secret to achieving efficient applications [4] …”

Photoconductance from the Bent-to-Planar Photocycle between Ground and Excited States in Single-Molecule Junctions

“…Organic π-conjugated molecules have abundant photoinduced excited-state responses, and they play a vital role in a variety of photoelectronic devices. − In particular, unlike their ground states, the excited states of the molecules have shown more significant structural/electronic changes, leading to large Stokes-shifted emissions. − Studies have shown that numerous π-conjugated molecules can emit sustained long-wavelength photoluminescence upon continuous irradiation of short-wavelength light, resulting from the ongoing photocycles of structural/electronic transformations between the ground and excited states. − In line with the origin of photoluminescence, exploring photoconductance dependence on the photocycles of excited-state structural/electronic changes at the molecular scale is of high importance but has rarely been developed, because of the shortage of nanoscopically reliable approaches and matching prototype molecules . In this regard, understanding the relationship between the excited-state structural/electronic photocycles and photoconductance has remained an intriguing challenge for conjugated molecules but has also been pivotal for implementing their potential in photoelectronic materials and devices…”