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Physical Society Colloquium
Greg Lopinski
Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences There is increasing interest in expanding the functionality of semiconductor surfaces via the covalent attachment of organic molecules for applications ranging from optoelectronics to molecular sensors. We have used the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to investigate the interaction of several different organic molecules with silicon surfaces. Comparison of the experimental data with theoretical calculations based on cluster models of the surface allows the bonding geometry of several small alkenes and benzene to be determined. These results also provide insight into the mechanisms by which saturated organic molecules are imaged by STM. The use of the STM tip to locally break silicon-carbon bonds, modifying the bonding state of adsorbed benzene, will also be discussed.
Friday, January 8th 1999, 15:30 |