Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of Molecular Conductors

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This starter grant award of the Chemistry Division to Vanderbilt University supports the research of Professor Sandra J. Rosenthal. The theme of the research is the development of time-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy for the study of charge migration in novel optical and electronic materials. The initial material being studied is self-assembled monolayers composed of oligothiophene derivatives. Oligomers consisting of different numbers of the thiophene monomer are synthesized and the degree to which their ability to form ordered monolayers depends upon chain length explored with scanning probe microscopy. The oligothiophene systems are ideal candidates to be incorporated into a molecular transmission line to be used to demonstrate simultaneous picosecond time resolution and molecular spatial resolution of a time-resolved scanning tunneling microscope in the future. The research is a crucial step in a long-term research program for direct observation of both structure and function in novel materials, providing the information necessary to tailor new materials designed for specific device applications. The ability to design new conducting materials contributes to advances in the electronics industry.