Electronic transport through C-60 molecules

Building upon traditional nb initio quantum chemistry calculations, we pres ent a theoretical study of the transport properties of C-60 molecules conne cted in realistic ways to Al metallic electrodes. A Green function techniqu e that combines standard density functional calculations with an effective tight-binding model allows us to calculate the ab initio electrical transpo rt properties of the fullerenes in contact with the electrodes. Our results are relevant for the correct interpretation of scanning tunnelling microsc ope visualization of these and related molecules adsorbed on different subs trates as well as for predicting the electrical conduction properties of mo lecular devices currently under study.