Atomic and Molecular Machines

Nanoscale electronics have become an integral part of modern technology. However, the development of nanoscale machines is still in its early stages, despite significant progress in their synthesis and demonstration. These machines are compelling due to their potential for novel functionalities and sustainable energy conversion arising from unique material properties, reduced dimensionality, and quantum effects. In this presentation, I will discuss our efforts to develop atomic and molecular machines. In particular, I will present an all-metal atomic-scale heat pump or, more loosely, an atomic-scale refrigerator. This device serves as an excellent platform for studying thermal management at the atomic scale, while its heat-pumping capability is substantial enough to suggest potential future applications in device arrays. I will also describe a single-molecule Archimedean screw: a metal-helical molecule-metal device that demonstrates electric current induced molecular rotation in a windmill-like fashion, and also shows a substantial rotation-induced enhancement of the electrical current. This system, which is a single-molecule realization of one of the oldest known water pumps, offers fascinating insights into the properties of artificial molecular machines.