One-dimensional molecular self-assembly on vicinal surfaces (MOL-VIC)

One-dimensional molecular self-assembly on vicinal surfaces (MOL-VIC)

Abstract

Molecular structures in the nanometer range exhibit an enormous potential for applications in future electronic data storage and processing devices. Such structures are particularly interesting when created through the process of self-assembly on suitable substrates. Vicinal surfaces are ideally suited as patterned templates for the mass fabrication of one-dimensional structures on the nanometer scale, where conventional lithographic techniques are no longer feasible or affordable. Vicinal surfaces display a two-fold symmetric morphology and, consequently, a complete anisotropy of all physical properties that is retained upon atom or molecule adsorption and thin-film growth.  Furthermore, one-dimensional patterns of steps, facets and atomic rows with periodicities on a scale of 1 nm to 100 nm can be produced. We will utilize this unique opportunity to prepare templates for parallel molecular assembly of periodic structures.  We combine the expertise of participating groups in nanostructured template preparation (Ortega, Michel), molecule synthesis (Gourdon) and assembly on surfaces (Berndt), in-situ molecule manipulation and spectroscopy (Berndt), electronic structure characterization (Horn, Ortega, Michel), and theoretical calculations (Joachim) to provide the scientific basis for the production of  customized molecular assemblies.

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List of Partners

  • Dr. Jose Enrique Ortega (Project Leader)
    Universidad del Pais Vasco, San Sebastian, Spain

  • Professor Richard Berndt (Principal Investigator)
    Institut für Experimentelle und Angewandte Physik, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, Germany

  • Professor Enrique Garcia Michel (Principal Investigator)
    Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spain

  • Dr. André Gourdon (Associated Group)
    CEMES, CNRS UP 8011, Toulouse, France

  • Professor Karsten Horn (Principal Investigator)
    Fritz Haber Institut, Max Planck Gesellschaft, Berlin, Germany

  • Dr. Christian Joachim (Associated Group)
    CEMES - CNRS, Toulouse, France

Participating European Agencies