Manipulating molecular quantum states with classical metal atom inputs: Demonstration of a single molecule NOR logic gate

Quantum states of a trinaphthylene molecule were manipulated by putting its naphthyl branches in contact with single Au atoms. One Au atom carries 1-bit of classical information Input that is converted into quantum information throughout the molecule. The Au trinaphthylene electronic interactions give rise to measurable energy shifts of the molecular electronic states demonstrating a NOR logic gate functionality. The NOR truth table of the single molecule logic gate was characterized by means of scanning tunnelling spectroscopy.