Karl Franzens University Graz
Graz University of Technology
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Karl Franzens University Graz | Graz University of Technology | |
Single Molecule and Single Atom Sensors for Atomic Resolution Imaging of Chemically Complex Surfaces Controlled functionalization of the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) is a promising route towards the extension of the STM imaging capabilities. In my talk I will show that a single molecule or atom adsorbed at the tip acts as a nanoscale sensor / signal transducer that reacts to forces acting on it from the surface and simultaneously converts its reaction into the changes of the tunneling conductance. The STM equipped with such sensor images short range forces with very high spatial resolution. We use this capability to resolve the inner structure of large organic molecules as well as intermolecular interactions in organic monolayers. Comparing performance of various sensors we show that their imaging properties can be tailored by choosing an appropriate sensor particle. |