Manipulation of Individual Atoms and Molecules with the STM

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 97.0429

Key words (English)

Scanning tunneling microscope; nanotechnology; nanometer; molecular manipulation; atom scale processes; designer molecules; quantum tunneling; superbenzene; molecular machines; molecular switches; atomic force microscopy.

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: FMRXCT970146

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 10.1 Stimulation of training and mobility

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

University of Aarhus (DK); Centre National de la Recherche (F); Freie Unversität Berlin (D); The University of Birmingham (UK): Chalmers University of Technology

Abstract (English)

The objective of the MANIPUL network was to investigate and manipulate individual atoms and molecules by scanning tunneling microscopy techniques. This approach provides a unique method for fabricating intentionally ordered atomic-scale structures. The aim was to explore both by theoretical and experimental methods key processes for the control of atoms and molecules on surfaces. Different approaches were followed, such as vertical manipulation, lateral manipulation, selective bond breaking by inelastic electron tunneling, and sequences thereof. The ultimate goal was to understand and reliably control the mechanisms of atomic-scale manipulation, which is a prerequisite for future atomic-scale technologies.
The network was very fruitful in term of scientific results, training of young researchers, collaborations between the network groups and interaction with industry. It has clearly acquired an international leadership in the field of atomic and molecular manipulations with the STM. The main driving forces have been (i) very competitive STM instrumental efforts, (ii) high level theoretical modeling, (iii) innovative research topics like the manipulation of large molecules and the manipulation on insulating materials.
The interaction with industry has been excellent. In particular, a cooperation with a small German company (VTS-Createc) has been established which sells now a low-temperature STM developed by the Berlin group participating in this network.
IBM's contribution centered around the lateral manipulation of large, specifically tailored molecules. We have investigated two new molecular systems composed of a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon planar core with six symmetrically substituted legs that support the molecule above a surface. The second system differs from the first in that one of the six t-butyl legs is replaced by a phenyl group. We have proven that ordered layers can be fabricated from both molecules. Moreover, we could show that various tunneling paths in a molecule exist and are superposed in electron transport. It is a topic of the theoretical group at Toulouse to model and explain these results.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 97.0429