Modeling molecular conduction in DNA wires: Charge transfer theories and dissipative quantum transport

Measurements of electron transfer rates as well as of charge transport characteristics in DNA produced a number of seemingly contradictory results, ranging from insulating behaviour to the suggestion that DNA is an efficient medium for charge transport. Among other factors, environmental effects appear to play a crucial role in determining the effectivity of charge propagation along the double helix. This chapter gives an overview over charge transfer theories and their implication for addressing the interaction of a molecular conductor with a dissipative environment. Further, we focus on possible applications of these approaches for charge transport through DNA-based molecular wires

Two path transport measurements on a triple quantum dot

We present an advanced lateral triple quantum dot made by local anodic oxidation. Three dots are coupled in a starlike geometry with one lead attached to each dot thus allowing for multiple path transport measurements with two dots per path. In addition charge detection is implemented using a quantum point contact. Both in charge measurements as well as in transport we observe clear signatures of states from each dot. Resonances of two dots can be established allowing for serial transport via the corresponding path. Quadruple points with all three dots in resonance are prepared for different electron numbers and analyzed concerning the interplay of the simultaneously measured transport along both paths.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Charge sensing in carbon nanotube quantum dots on microsecond timescales

We report fast, simultaneous charge sensing and transport measurements of gate-defined carbon nanotube quantum dots. Aluminum radio frequency single electron transistors (rf-SETs) capacitively coupled to the nanotube dot provide single-electron charge sensing on microsecond timescales. Simultaneously, rf reflectometry allows fast measurement of transport through the nanotube dot. Charge stability diagrams for the nanotube dot in the Coulomb blockade regime show extended Coulomb diamonds into the high-bias regime, as well as even-odd filling effects, revealed in charge sensing data.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Charge Transfer and Charge Transport on the Double Helix

We present a short review of various experiments that measure charge transfer and charge transport in DNA. Some general comments are made on the possible connection between 'chemistry-style' charge transfer experiments that probe fluorescence quenching and remote oxidative damage and 'physics-style' measurements that measure transport properties as defined typically in the solid-state. We then describe measurements performed by our group on the millimeter wave response of DNA. By measuring over a wide range of humidity conditions and comparing the response of single strand DNA and double strand DNA, we show that the appreciable AC conductivity of DNA is not due to photon assisted hopping between localized states, but instead due to dissipation from dipole motion in the surrounding water helix.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figure

On the electronic structure of the charge-ordered phase in epitaxial and polycrystalline La1-xCaxMnO3 (x = 0.55, 0.67) perovskite manganites

In this work the charge transport properties of charge ordered (CO) La1-xCaxMnO3 (LCMO) (x= 0.55, 0.67) epitaxial thin films and polycrystals are discussed following the recent controversy of localised electron states vs. weakly or de- localised charge density wave (CDW) states in CO manganites. The transport properties were investigated by current vs. voltage, direct current resistivity vs. temperature, local activation energy vs. temperature, magnetoresistance and admittance spectroscopy measurements, which all indicated a localised electronic structure in the single CO phase. Delocalised charge anomalies observed previously may be restricted to phase separated materials.Comment: Physical Review B, to be publishe

Influence of space charge fluctuations on the low energy beam transport of high current ion beams

For future high current ion accelerators like SNS, ESS or IFMIF the beam behaviour in low energy beam transport sections is dominated by space charge forces. Therefore space charge fluctuations (e. g. source noise) can drastically influence the beam transport properties of the low energy beam transport section. Losses of beam ions and emittance growth are the most severe problems. For electrostatic transport systems either a LEBT design has to be found which is insensitive to variations of the space charge or the origin of the fluctuations has to be eliminated. For space charge compensated transport as proposed for ESS and IFMIF the situation is different: No major influence on beam transport is expected for fluctuations below a cut-off frequency given by the production rate of the compensation particles. Above this frequency the fluctuations can not be compensated by particle production alone, but redistributions of the compensation particles helps to compensate the influence of the fluctuations. Above a second cut-off frequency given by the density and the temperature of the compensation particles their redistribution is too slow to reduce the influence of the space charge fluctuations. Transport simulations for the IFMIF injector including space charge fluctuations will be presented together with a determination of the cut-off frequencies. The results will be compared with measurements of the rise time of space charge compensation

Direct Observation of Node-to-Node Communication in Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) with open-shell transition metal nodes represent a promising class of highly ordered light harvesting antennas for photoenergy applications. However, their charge transport properties within the framework, the key criterion to achieve efficient photoenergy conversion, are not yet explored. Herein, we report the first direct evidence of a charge transport pathway through node-to-node communication in both ground state and excited state ZIFs using the combination of paramagnetic susceptibility measurements and time-resolved optical and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. These findings provide unprecedented new insights into the photoactivity and charge transport nature of ZIF frameworks, paving the way for their novel application as light harvesting arrays in diverse photoenergy conversion devices