Earle K. Plyler Prize for Molecular Spectroscopy & Dynamics Talk: Energy transfer and conversion in molecular junctions

In molecular conductance spectroscopy, the current through a molecule (or molecules) connecting two metal or semiconductors electrodes is measured as a function of the applied voltage. With eye on potential applications, the main issues facing researchers are fabrication, characterization, stability, functionality and control. These considerations bring into focus the need to study systems comprising molecules and metal nanostructures not only for their electrical transport properties but also for their optical, thermal and mechanical response and for their function as energy conversion devices. This talk will review our work on these subjects, and present recent results on current induced light emission, photovoltaic response and electron transfer induced heat conduction in such systems.