STM Manipulation of Single Atoms and Molecules on Insulating Films

Abstract

This chapter reviews the spectacular manipulations of single atoms and molecules using a low temperature scanning tunnelling microscope (STM). Electronic decoupling of the adsorbed atoms and molecules from a metallic substrate by introducing a thin insulating film of alkali halides (NaCl) enables (i) to control the charge states of single atoms (Au, Ag), (ii) to directly image molecular orbitals, (iii) to image the sequencing steps of molecular reactions, and (iv) to control molecular switching based on a tautomerization reaction.