Abstract: A clipping circuit for an amplifier, the clipping circuit using a tunneling junction. A molecular or other tunneling electronic-based component within a hybrid analog-tunneling circuit is used to produce soft or hard clipping capability with enhanced control over the output. The circuit may be used as a distortion circuit for an electric guitar signal or other electronic signals.

Abstract: The electronic properties of molecular junctions of the general type carbon/molecule/TiO2/Au as examples of “molecular heterojunctions” consisting of a molecular monolayer and a semiconducting oxide. Junctions containing fluorene bonded to pyrolyzed photoresist film (PPF) were compared to those containing Al2O3 instead of fluorene, and those with only the TiO2 layer. The responses to voltage sweep and pulse stimulation were strongly dependent on junction composition and temperature. A transient current response lasting a few milliseconds results from injection and trapping of electrons in the TiO2 layer, and occurred in all three junction types studied. Conduction in PPF/TiO2/Au junctions is consistent with space charge limited conduction at low voltage, then a sharp increase in current once the space charge fills all the traps. With fluorene present, there is a slower, persistent change in junction conductance which may be removed by a reverse polarity pulse.

Abstract: An electronic junction of the present invention comprises: (a) a first conductive component comprising: (i) a substrate having a contact surface; and (ii) at least one layer of molecular units having first and second ends, wherein at least one layer of molecular units is attached through their first ends to the contact surface through a type of association selected from the group consisting of: covalent bonding and strong electronic coupling; and (b) a second conductive component in electrical contact with the second ends of at least one layer of molecular units, the second conductive component comprising at least one metal and at least one metal oxide, wherein at least one conductive component in electronic junction has an electrical property that changes in response to a stimulus.