Letter abstract
Nature Nanotechnology 2, 99 - 103 (2007)
Published online: 5 February 2007 | doi:10.1038/nnano.2006.212
Subject Categories: Electronic properties and devices | Molecular machines and motors
Supramolecular gratings for tuneable confinement of electrons on metal surfaces
Y. Pennec1, W. Auwärter1, A. Schiffrin1, A. Weber-Bargioni1, A. Riemann1 & J. V. Barth1
Abstract
The engineering of electron wave functions in reduced dimensions has allowed researchers to explore and visualize fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics1, 2 and has also led to new ideas for advanced materials and devices3, 4. The scanning tunnelling microscope, in particular, has been used to create two-dimensional structures such as quantum corrals by moving individual atoms on metal surfaces and then probing the quasi two-dimensional surface state electron gases confined therein5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. However, this serial approach is time-consuming and not suited to producing ensembles of nanostructures for the control of electrons. Here we introduce a novel bottom-up method for the fabrication of nanoscale confinement structures on the Ag(111) surface. Scanning tunnelling spectroscopy data show that self-assembled molecular gratings act as one-dimensional resonators, and allow us to tune the characteristics of quantum-well states. We also demonstrate zero-dimensional confinement in quantum corrals down to 2 
5 nm in size by positioning single Fe atoms, which act as additional electron reflectors, in the molecular gratings.
- Departments of Chemistry and Physics & Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
Correspondence to: J. V. Barth1 e-mail: jvb@chem.ubc.ca
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