Abstract
We reversibly switch the state of a bistable atom by direct mechanical manipulation of bond angle using a dynamic force microscope. Individual buckled dimers at the Si(100) surface are flipped via the formation of a single covalent bond, actuating the smallest conceivable in-plane toggle switch (two atoms) via chemical force alone. The response of a given dimer to a flip event depends critically on both the local and nonlocal environment of the target atom—an important consideration for future atomic scale fabrication strategies.
- Received 26 January 2011
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.136101
© 2011 American Physical Society