Molecular transport junctions: Current from electronic excitations in the leads

Abstract

Using a model comprising a two-level bridge connecting free electron reservoirs we show that coupling of a molecular bridge to electron-hole excitations in the leads can markedly effect the source-drain current through a molecular junction. In some cases, e.g., molecules that exhibit strong charge transfer transitions, the contribution from electron-hole excitations can exceed the Landauer elastic current and dominate the observed conduction. © 2006 The American Physical Society.