Area confined position control of molecular aggregates

TL;DR

This paper presents an experimental method to precisely control the position of molecular aggregates on surfaces by regulating molecular density within confined areas, supported by kinetic simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel vacuum deposition technique combined with kinetic Monte Carlo simulations for position control of molecular clusters.

Findings

Molecular density regulation enables stable cluster formation.

Cluster position can be tuned by adjusting beam flux and temperature.

The approach offers a new way to manipulate molecular assemblies on surfaces.

Abstract

We report an experimental approach to control the position of molecular aggregates on surfaces by vacuum deposition. The control is accomplished by regulating the molecular density on the surface in a confined area. The diffusing molecules are concentrated at the centre of the confined area, producing a stable cluster when reaching the critical density for nucleation. Mechanistic aspects of that control are obtained from kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. The dimensions of the position can further be controlled by varying the beam flux and the substrate temperature.