Scanning tunneling spectroscopy and manipulation of C60 on Cu(111)

Abstract

The properties of C60 adsorbed on Cu(111) have been studied using low temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy. In the electronic spectrum of the molecule, we observe features that can be assigned to molecular orbitals. The LUMO level is split into two states, as a consequence of the charge transfer from the substrate to the carbon cage. The data from the inelastic electron tunnelling spectroscopy reveal two peaks that can be assigned to the intramolecular vibrational modes of the C60 cage. We demonstrate also controlled manipulation of single molecules. The plot of the tip height, recorded during the manipulation process, indicates that the C60 is pushed along the surface.