Optically induced current in molecular conduction nanojunctions with semiconductor contacts

► A new approach to coherent control of transport via molecular junctions is introduced. ► Previously noted hurdles to experimental realization of optically manipulated nanoelectronics are bypassed. ► Essential are the use of semiconductor contacts and sub-bandgap frequencies. ► A density matrix formalism is introduced, which offers useful analytically soluble limits. ► A new phenomenon - coherent destruction of induced tunneling - is analytically predicted. ► The potential of semiconductor contacts in coherent control of photocurrent is illustrated.