Influence of Polarization on electron localization in the coated tetramer nanoclusters used as elements of biorecognition systems

Abstract

A quasi-classical theoretical model is proposed for describing the localization dynamics of a common (tunneling) electron in the coated metal-organic nanocluster in an external low-frequency electric field, taking into account the electron-vibrational interaction and the polarization effects on its centers and on the ligand (organic) shell. The case of a square-planar tetramer nanocluster with the tunnel-connected centers is considered. This model allows a detailed study of the controlling role of the electric field, taking into account the contributions from the electron-vibrational interaction and from the polarization effects, in the realization of the various electron localization regimes, and reveals the ability of such a nanocluster to switch between them. This model is actual and suitable for the nanostructured composite systems of such kind, which are widely used as the basic elements in the bio-recognition systems.