Inelastic scattering in metal-H2-metal junctions

I. S. Kristensen, M. Paulsson, K. S. Thygesen, and K. W. Jacobsen
Phys. Rev. B 79, 235411 – Published 11 June 2009

Abstract

We present first-principles calculations of the dI/dV characteristics of an H2 molecule sandwiched between Au and Pt electrodes in the presence of electron-phonon interactions. The conductance is found to decrease by a few percentages at threshold voltages corresponding to the excitation energy of longitudinal vibrations of the H2 molecule. In the case of Pt electrodes, the transverse vibrations can mediate transport through otherwise nontransmitting Ptd channels leading to an increase in the differential conductance even though the hydrogen junction is characterized predominately by a single almost fully open transport channel. In the case of Au, the transverse modes do not affect the dI/dV because the Aud states are too far below the Fermi level. A simple explanation of the first-principles results is given using scattering theory. Finally, we compare and discuss our results in relation to experimental data.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 11 March 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.79.235411

©2009 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

I. S. Kristensen1, M. Paulsson2, K. S. Thygesen1, and K. W. Jacobsen1

  • 1Center for Atomic-scale Materials Design (CAMD), Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
  • 2Division of Physics, Department of Natural Sciences, Kalmar University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden

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Issue

Vol. 79, Iss. 23 — 15 June 2009

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