Magnetic and electromagnetic effects in molecular conduction junctions

Two of the most important objectives in studies of molecular conduction junctions are characterization and control. Most efforts in these direction are using the current-voltage response properties of such junctions to infer about their structure as well as to control their behavior. Obviously, external fields can provide additional important tools for these purposes. In this talk I will review our theoretical studies on the effect of light on molecular conduction junctions with applications ranging from switching to monitoring junction heating. I will also discuss the possibility of affecting the transport properties of junctions comprising ring molecular bridges by external magnetic fields.