Moving Nanostructures: Pulse-Induced Positioning of Supramolecular Assemblies

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• 作者：Anja Nickel ; Robin Ohmann ; Joerg Meyer ; Maricarmen Grisolia ; Christian Joachim ; Francesca Moresco ; Gianaurelio Cuniberti
• 刊名：ACS Nano
• 出版年：2013
• 出版时间：January 22, 2013
• 年：2013
• 卷：7
• 期：1
• 页码：191-197
• 全文大小：426K
• 年卷期：v.7,no.1(January 22, 2013)
• ISSN：1936-086X

文摘

For the development of nanoscale devices, the manipulation of single atoms and molecules by scanning tunneling microscopy is a well-established experimental technique. However, for the construction of larger and higher order structures, it is important to move not only one adsorbate but also several at the same time. Additionally, a major issue in standard manipulation experiments is the strong mechanical interaction of the tip apex and the adsorbate, which can damage the system under investigation. Here, we present a purely electronic excitation method for the controlled movement of a weakly interacting assembly of a few molecules. By applying voltage pulses, this supramolecular nanostructure is moved in a controlled manner without losing its collective integrity. Depending on the polarity and location of the applied voltage, the movement can be driven in predefined directions. Our gentle purely electronic approach for the controlled manipulation of nanostructures opens new ways to construct molecular devices.

Keywords:

manipulation; supramolecular structures; voltage pulses; scanning tunneling microscopy; spectroscopy