Effect of internal conversion of vibrational quanta in electron tunneling: a scheme for direct experimental observation and current/voltage relationships

Abstract

Electron tunneling through bridge molecular groups with a strong coupling to a local quantum vibrational mode is considered. A scheme is suggested for direct experimental observation of the effect of internal conversion of vibrational quanta in inelastic electron tunneling. The effect consists of excitation and re-absorption of vibrational quanta in the bridge by tunneling electrons. The tunnel current produced by the absorption of vibrational quanta by the same or another electron can in principle be detected in an experimental setup a scheme of which is suggested. Current/voltage dependences have in general spectroscopic features. Possible effects that can take place in the case of additional strong interaction with classical vibrational modes are discussed.