The two phenomena of electron transfer in molecules and electron transport through molecules are closely related to one another. Some of the phenomena exhibited in one of these areas can be mirrored in the other, but there are also differences. In this talk, we discuss the transport situation and different mechanisms for transport that occur under different temperature conditions and with different molecular structures. In particular, we will examine transport through more complex organic molecules than usual, and the interference phenomena that can result from cross-coupling, from meta linkages, and from simultaneous transport through more than one molecule. Emphasis will be conceptual (no complicated equations, no harping on methodology), and some concepts of physical organic chemistry, and their relationship to transport, will be addressed.

Argonne Physics Division Colloquium Schedule