Atomic Motion in Single H${}_2$ and D${}_2$ Molecule Junction Induced by Phonon Excitation

Abstract

We have investigated Au atomic contacts in H${}_2$ and D${}_2$ environment by conductance measurement and $dI/dV$ spectroscopy. A single H${}_2$ or D${}_2$ molecule was found to bridge Au electrodes. In the case of the Au/H${}_2$/Au junction, symmetric peaks were observed in $dI/dV$ spectra, while they were not observed for the Au/D${}_2$/Au junction. The shape of the peaks in $dI/dV$ spectra originated from the structural change of the single molecule junction induced by the phonon excitation. The structural change could occur only for the Au/H${}_2$/Au junction. The difference in the two single molecule junctions could be explained by larger zero point energy of Au-H${}_2$ vibration mode than that in the Au/H${}_2$/Au junction.

5 pages, 4 figures, to be appear in Phys. Rev. B

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