Self-Assembled Molecular-Electronic Films Controlled by Room Temperature Quantum Interference

Molecular electronics represent an attractive alternative for future electronic devices with rich functionalities beyond current scaling limits of silicon-based electronics. Compared with solid-state quantum technologies, where quantum effects are confined to low temperatures, molecular electronics are advantageous because quantum effects can be realized at room temperature. Here, we report the realization of room-temperature quantum interference (QI) effects on the electrical conductance of molecules in self-assembled monolayers, demonstrating that it is feasible to utilize QI in the design of new functional, ultra-thin film materials and devices. The combination of the modification of molecular terminal groups with the above QI effect leads to a QI-driven vertical molecular transistor with a high on-off ratio. The broader significance is that this work opens up appealing opportunities for both new scientific exploration and technological innovation in molecular electronics.