Charge and heat transport through molecules: The role of coherent excitations, molecular wire heat ratchets, shot noise for heat and charge, thermoelectric phenomena, electron-phonon interaction, vibrational modes, exciton-assisted transport

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Peter Hänggi
• Subject Area: Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2006 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 25188102

The field of molecular electronics deals with the electron transport through electrodemolecule- electrode settings and its possible technological applications. Within this proposal, we will investigate transport properties of molecular wires focussing on the current noise, heating effects, and the influence of time-dependent fields and gate voltages. In particular, we plan to explore the influence of Coulomb interaction and a coupling to vibrational degrees of freedom. As a working model for the molecule, a tight-binding Hamiltonian is employed which includes a coupling to metallic leads, to vibrational degrees of freedom, and to external fields, as well. Thereby, we will contribute to both the theoretical understanding of experimental observations and the prediction of novel phenomena. Moreover, our calculations will serve for testing the approximations on which the far more complex ab-initio methods are based on.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1243: Quantum Transport at the Molecular Scale
• Participating Person: Privatdozent Dr. Wolfgang Häusler