Phonon effects in molecular transistors

Abstract

A rate equation formalism is used to determine the effect of electron-phonon coupling on the conductance of a molecule. Interplay between the phonon-induced renormalization of the density of states on the quantum dot and the phonon-induced renormalization of the dot-lead coupling is found to be important. Whether or not the phonons are able to equilibrate in a time rapid compared to the transit time of an electron through the dot is found to affect the conductance. Observable signatures of phonon equilibration are presented.