Unidirectional Adsorbate Motion on a High-Symmetry Surface: “Walking” Molecules Can Stay the Course

Ki-Young Kwon, Kin L. Wong, Greg Pawin, Ludwig Bartels, Sergey Stolbov, and Talat S. Rahman
Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 166101 – Published 11 October 2005
PDFHTMLExport Citation

Abstract

Step edges and low-symmetry faces of metal crystals can restrict the diffusive motion of adsorbates, yet they offer little flexibility with regards to the location and/or direction of the guided motion. We show inherently unidirectional motion of an organic molecule on a high-symmetry thermodynamic-equilibrium metal surface [Cu(111)]. Sequential placement of the substrate linkers of 9,10-dithioanthracene prevents it from rotating or veering off course. A combination of low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory simulations provide atomistic insight.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 14 July 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.95.166101

©2005 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Ki-Young Kwon1, Kin L. Wong1, Greg Pawin1, Ludwig Bartels1,*, Sergey Stolbov2, and Talat S. Rahman2

  • 1Pierce Hall, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA
  • 2Department of Physics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA

  • *Corresponding author. Electronic address: Ludwig.Bartels@UCR.EDU

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 95, Iss. 16 — 14 October 2005

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×