Conceptual molecular quantum phase transistor based on first-principles quantum transport calculations

A conceptual molecular phase-coherent transistor is proposed based on first-principles quantum transport calculations. The device is formed by two molecules connected via a one-dimensional wire and it is operated by gating the interconnect between the molecules and exploiting quantum-mechanical interference. The transistor thus works by controlling the electron phase instead of the position of the molecular energy levels, and it paves the way for phase-controllable electronic circuits.