Nanometre-scale photoelectric characteristics of a molecular device monolayer

Abstract

We constructed monolayer Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films using a novel molecule C₃₇H₄₀N₄O₄ synthesized by us. This molecule is a long-chain alkyl derivative with a dinitrobenzene moiety (acceptor subunit) and a dihydrophenazine moiety (donor subunit) bridged by a methylene group with a constant distance and bond angle between the acceptor and donor groups. It behaves as a unimolecular device with control of the potential between the donor and acceptor subunits. We transferred the monolayer film onto a Au(111) substrate and measured nanometre-scale electrical characteristics in the dark or in an evanescent field. Rectifying characteristics and increasing photoconductivity were observed.