Single Molecule's Conductance Depending On Its Orientation

Single molecules of 1,1,2,3,4,5-hexaphenylsilole adsorbed on Cu(111) have been investigated using low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, scanning tunneling spectroscopy, and quantum chemistry calculations. Two adsorption states have been identified, showing distinctive tunneling conductance. The molecules can switch their states under tip influence. Theoretical calculations indicate that the two states are associated with molecules adsorbed at two 90 degrees-rotated orientations, and the tunneling conductance is attributed to molecular orbitals that spatially bridge tip-to-substrate gap. Our findings demonstrate a decisive dependence of single-molecule conductance on the molecular orientation with respect to electrodes.