Mechanically adjustable and electrically gated single-molecule transistors

We demonstrate a device geometry for single-molecule electronics experiments that combines both the ability to adjust the spacing between the electrodes mechanically and the ability to shift the energy levels in the molecule using a gate electrode. With the independent in-situ variations of molecular properties provided by these two experimental knobs, we are able to achieve a much more detailed characterization of electron transport through the molecule than is possible with either technique separately. We illustrate the performance of the device using C-60 molecules.