A rectifier device, based on a novel operation principle completely different
from
that of conventional molecular electronic devices, is made by coupling two or more
molecules or molecule arrays (11) at certain joints. By making use of the
phenomenon that transfer of an excited state or exciton from one molecule or molecule
array to another molecule or molecule array coupled thereto progresses asymmetrically
due to spatial asymmetry at the joint, a rectifying function related to the transfer
of the excited state of exciton is obtained. Additionally, by controlling the rectification
property in addition to the rectification function, an ion sensor device or a switching
device is made. A resistor device may be inserted in the rectifier device.
