A single-molecule switch and memory element

The mechanically controllable break-junction technique enables us to investigate charge-carrier transport through an individually contacted and addressed molecule. Using a statistical measurement and analysis approach, we acquire simultaneously current-voltage curves during the repeated formation and breaking of a molecular junction. Thereby, a reversible and controllable switching between two distinct conductive states of a single-molecule system was investigated. Voltage pulses are used to switch from a low to a high conductive on state, and, furthermore, to reset the switch again to the off state. On this single-molecule level, collective phenomena can be excluded and therefore the observed switching mechanism has a truly molecular origin. Both conductive states are stable and accessible via non-destructive reading. Combined with the ability to reset the switch, this opens the way to employ this single-molecule as a memory element which is demonstrated by repeated write-read-erase-read cycles with non-destructive read-outs. © 2007 IOP Publishing Ltd.