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Synthesis of Discrete Molecule-Based Networks and Clusters for Engineered Molecular Electronics
University of Kentucky The proposed research will elucidate the fundamental relationship between molecular structure, electrode/molecule interconnects, and transport phenomena. These seminal studies will probe the suitability of single molecules and clusters to function as logic elements in nanoscale devices. Systematic variation of the transition metal centers and oxidation states will afford a series of structurally related building blocks that differ in terms of the numbers of unpaired electrons, overall charge, and molecular orbital energies; ligand modification will allow for further tuning of the electronic and structural preferences of each building block. These well-defined building blocks will be allowed to self-assemble into discrete clusters having predictable and tunable connectivity, magnetic, and optical properties. Ultimately this building block synthetic strategy will allow for accurate magneto-structural correlations and spin transport phenomena to be described. Chemisorption of heteroatom-functionalized clusters to nanoscale break and shadow junctions will allow for detailed structure and scale-dependent studies of spin- gated electron transport to be initiated. If successful, spin-dependent magnetoresistance behavior will be observed and quantitized spin states will be detected, allowing for molecule-based electronics to be engineered. We anticipate that miniature, sensitive giant magnetoresistance (GMR) read heads for magnetic hard disk applications may ultimately be engineered, further increasing usable bit density, affording multiple patents and a start-up company within the commonwealth.
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