Pulsed electron spin resonance of an organic microcrystal by dispersive readout.

We establish a testbed system for the development of high-sensitivity Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) techniques for small samples at cryogenic temperatures. Our system consists of a NbN thin-film planar superconducting microresonator designed to have a concentrated mode volume to couple to a small amount of paramagnetic material, and to be resilient to magnetic fields of up to 400mT. At 65mK we measure high-cooperativity coupling (C≈19) to an organic radical microcrystal containing 10 spins in a pico-litre volume.

Nanoelectromechanical switch operating by tunneling of an entire C60 molecule.

We present a solid state single molecule electronic device where switching between two states with different conductance happens predominantly by tunneling of an entire C60 molecule. This conclusion is based on a novel statistical analysis of approximately 10(5) switching events. The analysis yields (i) the relative contribution of tunneling, current induced heating and thermal fluctuations to the switching mechanism, (ii) the voltage dependent energy barrier (approximately 100-200 meV) separating the two states of the switch and (iii) the switching attempt frequency, omega0, corresponding to a 2.

Electron transfer dynamics of bistable single-molecule junctions.

We present transport measurements of single-molecule junctions bridged by a molecule with three benzene rings connected by two double bonds and with thiol end-groups that allow chemical binding to gold electrodes. The I-V curves show switching behavior between two distinct states. By statistical analysis of the switching events, we show that a 300 meV mode mediates the transition between the two states.

Strong electronic coupling between single C60 molecules and gold electrodes prepared by quench condensation at 4 K. A single molecule three terminal device study.

We report the first measurements of single C60 molecules trapped in three terminal devices prepared by quench condensation of a gold source and drain electrode on top of an aluminium gate electrode covered with a thin oxide. Our experimental platform allows source and drain electrodes to be fabricated on the gate oxide at low temperatures and high vacuum. In a subsequent step, single molecules are evaporated in situ onto the surface and caught in the gap between a source and a drain electrode.