Fig. 1: Intra versus inter quantum interference.
From: Molecular ensemble junctions with inter-molecular quantum interference
a Intra-molecular QI is a result of the various interfering paths (MOs) of a single transverse conductance mode within the leads through a single molecule. b In MEJs, where the distance between molecules is comparable to the phase coherence length of the electrons at the Fermi energy, intra-molecular QI can prevail in each molecule but the ensemble as a whole does not contribute to the interference properties. c Inter-molecular QI takes place in MEJs based on leads in which the electrons has a sufficient long λF to coherently probe by tunneling large ensembles of molecules. Interference in this case depends on the tunneling phase of each of the molecules within the ensembles.
