Controlled low-temperature molecular manipulation of sexiphenyl molecules on Ag(111) using scanning tunneling microscopy

Abstract

A novel scanning tunneling microscope manipulation scheme for a controlled molecular transport of weakly adsorbed molecules is demonstrated. Single sexiphenyl molecules adsorbed on a Ag(111) surface at 6 K are shot towards single silver-atoms by excitation with the tip. To achieve atomically straight shooting paths, an electron resonator consisting of linear standing wave fronts is constructed. The sexiphenyl manipulation signals reveal a pi-ring flipping as the molecule moves from hcp to fcc site. Abinitio calculations show an incorporation of the Ag atom below the center of a pi-ring.