Molecules are the smallest structures that can perform functions. We are working on atomic-scale nanofabrication technologies to make contact to single molecules. In particular, we have clarified the elementary process of a phenomenon called “electromigration”, which is used to fabricate nanogap electrodes by the electrical break junction method, and improved the fabrication yield of single molecule transistors dramatically. Furthermore, we are exploring new paradigm for electronics that utilize novel functions of single molecule devices.

Topics

• Physics of electromigration in atomic-scale metal nanocontacts
• Electron transport in single C60 molecule transistors with ferromagnetic Ni electrodes
• Nanomechanical rotation of molecules in single H2TPP molecule transistors
• Electron transport in single endohedral metallofullerene molecule transistors
• Control of electron transport in single molecule transistors by terahertz radiation