Confinement of molecular assemblies in atomically well-defined nanostructures on an insulating surface
Abstract
The growth of ordered molecular monolayers on insulating surfaces is often hampered by the strength molecule-molecule compared to surface-molecule interactions, resulting in molecule clusters aggregated at step edges rather than ordered flat films. We have succeeded in employing the enhanced interaction at edges of nanometer-scale structures to confine molecules into flat islands. Monolayer-deep pits with atomically straight edges were produced on a KBr surface by an electron-irradiation induced desorption process. Phtalocyanin and perylene derived molecules were evaporated onto the surface and imaged by means of high resolution force microscopy. Molecules were found to be trapped in the pits and the structure of the islands could be resolved. We will discuss possible mechanisms for the trapping and show how dynamic force microscopy can even provide information about mechanical dissipation in such molecular islands.
- Publication:
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APS March Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- March 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004APS..MARL32006B