Rotation of C60 in a single-molecule contact

TL;DR

This study demonstrates reversible rotation of C60 molecules on Cu(100) surfaces triggered by scanning tunneling microscopy contact, revealing a mechanical switching mechanism that depends on tip proximity.

Contribution

It introduces a method to reversibly control the orientation of single molecules using STM contact, highlighting a mechanical mechanism for molecular rotation.

Findings

Rotation probability increases sharply beyond a threshold tip displacement

Reversible switching of molecular orientation is achieved

Mechanical contact induces molecular rotation

Abstract

The orientation of individual C60 molecules adsorbed on Cu(100) is reversibly switched when the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope is approached to contact the molecule. The probability of switching rises sharply upon displacing the tip beyond a threshold. A mechanical mechanism is suggested to induce the rotation of the molecule.