Charge transport through single alkanedithiol molecules on an ultrathin insulating film: Influence on an atomic Kondo resonance

Studies of charge/spin transport through single molecules are important for understanding organic-based electronic and memory devices. We have realized a single molecule wire comprising an alkanedithiol molecule and a single Co atom contact using a low temperature scanning tunneling microscope. This wire is formed on an ultrathin insulating layer (Cu2N on Cu(100)). A Kondo resonance observed on isolated Co atoms on Cu2N indicates minimal contact to the Cu substrate. However, increased contact to Cu is achieved by connecting the Co atom via the alkanedithiol molecule. A change in the Kondo lineshape on the Co atom indicates an open conduction channel through the molecule. ~This result provides an opportunity to study charge/spin transport through single molecules with atomically precise contacts. We acknowledge financial support from NSF CAREER Award No. DMR-0645451 and NSF MRSEC-0820414. http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/$\sim $jgupta.