Directing and Understanding the Translation of a Single Molecule Dipole

Understanding the directed motion of a single molecule on surfaces is not only important in the well-established field of heterogeneous catalysis but also for the design of artificial nanoarchitectures and molecular machines. Here, we report how the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) can be used to control the translation direction of a single polar molecule. Through the interaction of the molecular dipole with the electric field of the STM junction, it was found that both translations and rotations of the molecule occur. By considering the location of the tip with respect to the axis of the dipole moment, we can deduce the order in which rotation and translation take place. While the molecule-tip interaction dominates, computational results suggest that the translation is influenced by the surface direction along which the motion takes place.

Automated summary

In this study, the researchers demonstrate how they can use the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to control the translation direction of a single polar molecule. Through the interaction between the dipole moment of the molecule and the electric field of the STM junction, both translations and rotations of the molecule are observed. By considering the relative position of the tip to the dipole moment axis, the order of rotation and translation can be deduced. While the molecule-tip interaction is dominant, computational results suggest that translation is influenced by the surface direction.