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Nature 435, 575-577 (2 June 2005) | doi:10.1038/435575a; Published online 1 June 2005

Molecular electronics:  Charged with manipulation

Mark Ratner1

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The ability to control charge transport through individual molecules sandwiched between electrodes could lead to further miniaturization of electronics. A better understanding of how such junctions work is crucial.

In its simplest form, a molecular junction consists of a single organic molecule sandwiched between two much larger electrodes. More efficient and more precise control of current flow through such elements, and a detailed understanding of the factors that influence that flow, are essential to take electronics from the microscale of conventional, silicon-based technology down to the nanoscale.

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