Basic steps involved in the lateral manipulation of single CO molecules and rows of CO molecules

We demonstrate a reliable procedure for controlled lateral manipulation of single CO molecules and rows of CO molecules on the quasi-one dimensional Cu(211) surface. Tip height curves recorded during manipulation of single CO molecules reveal hops of the molecules from one adsite to the next. Evidence for the intermediate occupation of bridge-like adsites especially if shifting two CO molecules is found. Manipulation of longer rows allows build-up of molecule chains with perfect (2 x 1) periodicity. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.