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We investigate the fundamental properties of single atoms and molecules
on solid surfaces. Within this field we are specifically interested
in the growth of ultrathin insulating films, the manipulation and
buildup of atomic-scale nanostructures, and the mechanical and electrical
properties of individual molecules.
Our experiments exploit the extreme versatility and sensitivity
of a low-(variable)-temperature STM. Such a machine is not only
a nanoanalytical instrument to perform imaging and vibrational/electronic
spectroscopy on the atomic scale, but can also be used as an atomic-scale
tool to assemble atomic structures, manipulate molecules and their
conformations, and induce chemical reactions including the synthesis
and dissociation (forming and breaking bonds) of individual molecules.
 Collaborations
within EU projects
| AMMIST: |
Atomic and molecular manipulation as a new tool
for science and technology |
| CHIC: |
Consortium for Hamiltonian Intramolecular Computing |
| NANOSPECTRA: |
Tunneling spectroscopy on single molecular and
semiconducting
nanostructures |
| NanoMan: |
Nanomechanical Molecular Manipulation: Control
and assembly on the 1-10 nm scale |
Overview of basic manipulation processes that can
be induced with an STM
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Lateral manipulation: The transfer of atoms/molecules
along the surface employing for example attractive/repulsive
forces between the tip and the adsorbate. |
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Vertical manipulation: The reversible transfer
of atoms/molecules between the surface and the STM tip employing
additionally electronic/vibrational excitation of the adsorbate
by inelastic tunneling. |
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Desorption: Similar to vertical manipulation,
but desorption of individual adsorbates directly into the surrounding
gas phase. |
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Dissociation: Selective bond breaking within
a molecule by means of inelastic tunneling processes. |
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Synthesis: Selective bond formation between two
molecular units employing lateral manipulation followed by electronic/vibrational
excitation. |
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