title: Moving nanostructures: pulse-induced positioning of supramolecular assemblies.
abstract: For the development of nanoscale devices, the manipulation of single atoms and molecules by scanning tunneling microscopy is a well-established experimental technique. However, for the construction of larger and higher order structures, it is important to move not only one adsorbate but also several at the same time. Additionally, a major issue in standard manipulation experiments is the strong mechanical interaction of the tip apex and the adsorbate, which can damage the system under investigation. Here, we present a purely electronic excitation method for the controlled movement of a weakly interacting assembly of a few molecules. By applying voltage pulses, this supramolecular nanostructure is moved in a controlled manner without losing its collective integrity. Depending on the polarity and location of the applied voltage, the movement can be driven in predefined directions. Our gentle purely electronic approach for the controlled manipulation of nanostructures opens new ways to construct molecular devices.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Materials Science and Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062 Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: Anja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nickel
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ohmann
authors.forename: Joerg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: Maricarmen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grisolia
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Joachim
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Moresco
authors.forename: Gianaurelio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cuniberti
mesh_terms: D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D008422:Materials Testing; D008846:Micromanipulation / Q000379:methods*; D009038:Motion; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011829:Radiation Dosage