Probing the conformation of physisorbed molecules at the atomic scale using STM manipulation.
basic_science · Level V
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Abstract
We use scanning tunneling microscope (STM) manipulation and density functional theory calculation to investigate the structural properties of individual sexiphenyl molecules physisorbed on a Ag(111) surface at 6 K. The molecule-surface atomic registry is precisely determined by using atomic markers and a sexiphenyl functionalized tip. The calculations confirm the alternating twist of the sexiphenyl pi-rings on Ag(111). The pi-ring torsional angle, 11.4 degrees, is directly determined from the geometry of STM manipulation. This innovative experiment opens up a novel application of STM manipulation to probe the properties of "physisorbed" species on surfaces at the atomic level.