Mechanoelectric sensitivity reveals destructive quantum interference in single-molecule junctions

Journal article (2024)

Authors

S. van der Poel Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft, QN/van der Zant Lab - AS
Juan Hurtado-Gallego Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Matthias Blaschke Universität Augsburg
Rubén López-Nebreda Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Almudena Gallego University of Basel
Marcel Mayor University of Basel, Sun Yat-sen University, Karlsruhe Institut für Technologie
Fabian Pauly Universität Augsburg
H.S.J. van der Zant QN/van der Zant Lab - AS , Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft
Nicolás Agraït Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Research Group
QN/van der Zant Lab (AS) (TU Delft)
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Published Date

2024

Language

English

Faculty

Applied Sciences

Department

QN/Quantum Nanoscience

Research Group

QN/van der Zant Lab

Abstract

Quantum interference plays an important role in charge transport through single-molecule junctions, even at room temperature. Of special interest is the measurement of the destructive quantum interference dip itself. Such measurements are especially demanding when performed in a continuous mode of operation. Here, we use mechanical modulation experiments at ambient conditions to reconstruct the destructive quantum interference dip of conductance versus displacement. Simultaneous measurements of the Seebeck coefficient show a sinusoidal response across the dip without sign change. Calculations that include electrode distance and energy alignment variations explain both observations quantitatively, emphasizing the crucial role of thermal fluctuations for measurements under ambient conditions. Our results open the way for establishing a closer link between break-junction experiments and theory in explaining single-molecule transport phenomena, especially when describing sharp features in the transmission.