title: Molecular transport junctions: current from electronic excitations in the leads.
abstract: Using a model comprising a two-level bridge connecting free electron reservoirs we show that coupling of a molecular bridge to electron-hole excitations in the leads can markedly effect the source-drain current through a molecular junction. In some cases, e.g., molecules that exhibit strong charge transfer transitions, the contribution from electron-hole excitations can exceed the Landauer elastic current and dominate the observed conduction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Nanotechnology Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Galperin
authors.forename: Abraham
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nitzan
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ratner