Characterization of phenylene-based molecular switches self-assembled in nano via holes of an electronic test platform

An array of molecular devices was fabricated by using an electronic test platform with a self assembled monolayer of phenylene-based molecules, known as Tour's molecules, inside of nano via holes in a SiN_x insulating layer and was sandwiched between top and bottom Ti/Au contacts. Most of the molecular devices produced diode-like characteristics. A few devices made of molecules with nitro and amine moieties exhibited hysteresis and, others containing a nitro moiety showed Negative Differential Resistance (NDR) in I-V characteristics. A few devices made from a mixed monolayer of dodecanethiol and a molecule having nitro and amine moiety showed unusual NDR characteristics at room temperature. The mixed monolayer produced a good yield for the devices, with only 4 ∼ 9% of the devices developing short circuits.