arXiv subjects

C. J. Muller

Publications and source records attributed to C. J. Muller.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Measuring the measurement problem: controlling decoherence with measurement duration in molecular MCB junctions

We investigate the influence of the measurement duration on quantum coherence in molecular mechanically controlled break junctions operating in a tetrahydrofuran (THF) partially wet phase. These systems represent a distinct class of enclosed open quantum systems with unusually long decoherence times at ambient conditions, on the order of 1-20 ms. By tuning the integration time of the current measurement in current-voltage (IV) characteristics, relative to the decoherence time, we observe a transition from quantum interference patterns, manifested as structured bands of data points, to classical behavior characterized by a single averaged response. This demonstrates that the duration of a measurement acts as a controllable parameter for probing quantum behavior in molecular junctions, offering new insights into decoherence dynamics in quantum mechanics.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

The impact of a measurement on an open quantum system

A molecular MCB junction in the partially wet phase has been used to probe effects related to open quantum systems. Although the exact quantum system, environment, and coupling, are not known the nature of the experiments shows a measurement influenced next measurement. The quantum system senses the measurement outcome and prepares itself in a state other than the state related to the measurement outcome. This triggers an alternation of measurements which are indicative of two current carrying states. In case three or more current carrying states are observed, there exists a fixed sequence of states that carry the current. We conclude that memory effects in these systems are responsible for these experimental observations.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2021

Decoupling environmental modes from tunneling electrons in a partially wet phase molecular mechanically controllable break junction

A quantum effect at ambient conditions is presented. A benzene dithiol (BDT) molecule or a tetrahydrofuran (THF) molecule is used as a barrier molecule bridging the gold electrodes from a Mechanically Controllable Break junction. It has been known for a long time that the environment of a junction couples to the conduction. With a microscopic layer of fluid it is actually possible to influence this coupling. The electrode-molecule-electrode configuration is lined with a microscopic layer of THF fluid, also known as the partially wet phase. This is effectively decoupling the electrode-molecule-electrode system from environmental modes outside of this system. The effects on coherence and quantum interference are exceptional.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2021

Detailing the natural creation process of a single molecule MCB junction in the partially wet phase

A novel way to arrive at a single molecule junction in the partially wet phase is described. The fabrication of this device makes use of a natural drying process. Details are provided concerning the fabrication of the device and the related material choices. In addition a process description is provided with a step by step approach for creating the partially wet phase molecular MCB junction.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2021

A pivoting Mechanically Controllable Break junction setup enabling partially wet phase MCB-junctions

A technique is presented, which creates MCB junctions that can be pivoted to any desirable angle. The MCB junction equipped with a specific glass liquid cell can be used to produce a MCB junction, of which the electrodes are covered with a microscopic layer of fluid, thus producing a partially wet phase MCB junction.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗