Natalya A. Zimbovskaya - Böcker

The electronic properties of normal metals have been under active study for several decades. In the 1950s and 1960s most investigations sought to describe the Fermi surfaces of metals. These studies were based on experimental data obtained as a re­ sult of numerous observations of particular phenomena responsive to the structure of the electronic spectra of metals and thus to band-structure calculations [lJ. The high-frequency properties of metals were also actively studied. These investiga­ tions were initiated by the development of the theory of the anomalous skin effect [2J. Later, significant achievements were reached in studies of the high-frequency properties of metals in the presence of an applied magnetic field. Cyclotron res­ onance in a parallel magnetic field [3], electromagnetic waves in metals [4]-[6J, size effects [7J, [8], Doppler shifted cyclotron resonance, and dopplerons [9], [10] were predicted in theoretical studies and repeatedly observed in experiments. This offered new scope for analysis of the properties of the electron system of metals. The main results of theoretical and experimental studies of the electronic charac­ teristics of metals performed during this period are expounded in several books and review articles (see, e. g. , [11]-[14], [16]). Great progress was also achieved in studies of the interaction between an elec­ tron system and the ultrasonic waves propagating in metals. At low temperatures (T < 10 K) the electrons produce a strong effect on the dispersion and attenuation of ultrasound waves.

A comprehensive overview of the physical mechanisms that control electron transport and the characteristics of metal-molecule-metal (MMM) junctions. As far as possible, methods and formalisms presented elsewhere to analyze electron transport through molecules are avoided. This title introduces basic concepts--a description of the electron transport through molecular junctions—and briefly describes relevant experimental methods. Theoretical methods commonly used to analyze the electron transport through molecules are presented. Various effects that manifest in the electron transport through MMMs, as well as the basics of density-functional theory and its applications to electronic structure calculations in molecules are presented. Nanoelectronic applications of molecular junctions and similar systems are discussed as well. Molecular electronics is a diverse and rapidly growing field. Transport Properties of Molecular Junctions presents an up-to-date survey of the field suitable for researchers and professionals.