Since few years, several quantum transport experiments employing mono-molecular systems have been proven. Most of related emerging phenomena are, however, far from receiving sound theoretical explanations. One principal limitation is the "static" description of transport processes typically considered for molecular bridges. Molecules, indeed, are flexible objects and their nuclear "dynamics" plays in general a fundamental role in charge transfer as well as transport mechanisms. In this talk, I will give an overview of the recent research performed in Regensburg on the role of vibrations and inelastic transport in molecular systems, and show how such phenomena do dramatically affect the overall conduction properties of molecular junctions.
Since few years, several quantum transport experiments employing mono-molecular systems have been proven. Most of related emerging phenomena are, however, far from receiving sound theoretical explanations. One principal limitation is the "static" description of transport processes typically considered for molecular bridges. Molecules, indeed, are flexible objects and their nuclear "dynamics" plays in general a fundamental role in charge transfer as well as transport mechanisms. In this talk, I will give an overview of the recent research performed in Regensburg on the role of vibrations and inelastic transport in molecular systems, and show how such phenomena do dramatically affect the overall conduction properties of molecular junctions.