CONCEPTS IN MOLECULAR ELECTRONICS

Fundamental aspects for the construction of future molecular electronic devices are discussed. It is shown that for addressing molecular structures localized electronic states play a crucial role. We report on localized donor-states (antenna states) in donor-acceptor-substituted polyenes which can be addressed selectively by optical excitation. Among various possible relaxation paths, these local excitations may give rise to fast energy transfer or charge transfer, depending on the nature of the acceptor. The excitonic energy transfer in the supermolecules can be explained by quantum mechanical electron-vibron interaction.