We analyze quantum interference and decoherence effects in single-molecule junctions both experimentally and theoretically by means of the mechanically controlled break junction technique and density-functional theory. We consider the case where interference is provided by overlapping quasi-degenerate states. Decoherence mechanisms arising from the electronic-vibrational coupling strongly affect the electrical current flowing through a single-molecule contact and can be controlled by temperature variation. Our findings underline the all-important relevance of vibrations for understanding charge transport through molecular junctions.
@article{arxiv.1203.4128,
title = {Experimental Evidence for Quantum Interference and Vibrationally Induced Decoherence in Single-Molecule Junctions},
author = {Stefan Ballmann and Rainer Härtle and Pedro B. Coto and Marcel Mayor and Mark Elbing and Martin R. Bryce and Michael Thoss and Heiko B. Weber},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1203.4128},
year = {2012}
}