Single Molecules in Strong Optical Fields: A Variable-Temperature Molecular Junction Spectroscopy Setup.

In order to advance the development of molecular electronic devices, it is mandatory to improve the understanding of electron transport and functionalities in single molecules, integrated in a well-defined environment. However, limited information can be obtained by solely analyzing - characteristics, whence multiparameter studies are required to obtain more information on such systems including chemical bonds, geometry, and intramolecular strain. Therefore, we developed an analytical method incorporating an optical near-field technique, which allows us to investigate single-molecule junctions at variable temperatures in strong optical fields.

Voltage-Driven Conformational Switching with Distinct Raman Signature in a Single-Molecule Junction.

Precisely controlling well-defined, stable single-molecule junctions represents a pillar of single-molecule electronics. Early attempts to establish computing with molecular switching arrays were partly challenged by limitations in the direct chemical characterization of metal-molecule-metal junctions. While cryogenic scanning probe studies have advanced the mechanistic understanding of current- and voltage-induced conformational switching, metal-molecule-metal conformations are still largely inferred from indirect evidence.