Good Vibrations Probe Innards of Molecular Electronic Junctions

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NIST researchers determined that the organic molecules in the middle of this simple silicon-based molecular sandwich pass electric current through these junctions by carefully measuring the minute changes in molecular vibrations. Credit: NIST
NIST researchers determined that the organic molecules in the middle of this simple silicon-based molecular “sandwich” pass electric current through these junctions by carefully measuring the minute changes in molecular vibrations. Credit: NIST

Using an unusual spectroscopic technique, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have provided the most convincing evidence yet that current is flowing through a simple silicon-based molecular “sandwich,” which is the most basic structure of molecular electronics. The work is an important step toward realizing the dream of organic molecule-based electronics that could enable much denser, cheaper computer memories and other replacements of traditional electronic devices.


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