title: Amino-nitro-azobenzene dimers as a prototype for a molecular-level machine.
abstract: Low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscope measurements of an X-shaped dimer, consisting of two amino-nitro-azobenzene molecules, on a Au(111)-surface are presented. Electron-induced manipulation switches either the upper- or the lower-lying molecule. These reversible switching processes are based on the cis-trans isomerization of the azobenzene molecules. The switching of the upper molecule moves the lower-lying molecule in a controlled way. Thus mechanical work is performed. This proof-of-principle shows the ability of azobenzene molecules to act as a molecular-level machine.
authors.affiliation: Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institut für Festkörperphysik, Abteilung Oberflächen, Appelstrasse 2, D-30167 Hannover, Germany. henzl@fkp.uni-hannover.de
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Henzl
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mehlhorn
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Morgenstern