Molecular structures on crystalline metallic surfaces  From STM images to molecular electronics
We present results from scanning tunneling microscopy obtained for organic molecules  coronene and different phthalocyanine derivatives  adsorbed on crystalline metallic substrates under UHV conditions. Molecular structures resolved till to submolecular details are observed. The principles governing regular self-assembled adsorbate structures are discussed. There are accessible close-packed ultra-thin molecular films as well as open network structures suited as templates for further processing. Switchable single-molecular configurations as well as potential storage and nano-engine devices placed on a regular self-assembled molecular pattern are demonstrated.
molecular electronics scanning tunneling microscopy organic molecules nanoscale structures