Scanning tunneling microscope based nanoscale optical imaging of molecules on surfaces

Zhang, Chao; Chen, Liuguo; Zhang, Rui; Dong, Zhen‐Chao

doi:10.7567/jjap.54.08la01

Cited by 14 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 89 publications

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“…The evolution of electronically excited states of molecules adsorbed at metallic surfaces is often at the core of key physical and chemical processes in energy harvesting, − surface reactivity, − and molecular (opto-)electronics. − The interest in the excited-state dynamics is further fueled by the current developments of experimental techniques, such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), capable to trigger and monitor the surface reactions at the atomic scale, − as well as to produce photo- and electroluminescence from adsorbed molecules with the possibility to engineer the nanosources of (single) photons. − To understand the dynamics of molecular excited states in the proximity of a metallic surface and to find ways to control their decay into different de-excitation channels is of paramount importance in molecular nanotechnologies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of a Dielectric Spacer on Electronic and Electromagnetic Interactions at Play in Molecular Exciton Decay at Surfaces and in Plasmonic Gaps

et al. 2021

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The deposition of individual molecules, molecular networks, and molecular layers at surfaces is at the core of surface reactivity, energy harvesting, molecular electronics, and (single) photon sources. Yet, strong adsorbate−substrate interaction on metallic surfaces quenches the excited molecular states and harms many practical applications. Here, we theoretically address the role of a NaCl ionic crystal spacer layer in decoupling an adsorbate from the substrate and therefore changing the interplay between the competing decay channels of an excited molecule driven by electronic and electromagnetic interactions. A quantitative assessment of the corresponding decay rates allows us to establish the minimum thickness of the spacer required for the observation of molecular luminescence from the junction of a scanning tunneling microscope. Our work provides a solid quantitative theoretical basis relevant for several fields of nanotechnology where engineering of ionic crystal spacers allows for adsorbate charge manipulation, reactivity, and photon emission in nanocavities.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of a Dielectric Spacer on Electronic and Electromagnetic Interactions at Play in Molecular Exciton Decay at Surfaces and in Plasmonic Gaps

et al. 2021

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“…To orient the reader and to provide an accurate account of the field, selected TERS experiments performed in ambient are covered as they relate to the topics discussed. For a thorough coverage of the field of TERS as a whole we point the reader to a number of recent reviews on the subject. − In the next section, we will discuss SERS, a predecessor of TERS, which is also well reviewed elsewhere. − …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultrahigh-Vacuum Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Pozzi¹,

Goubert²,

Chiang³

et al. 2016

Chem. Rev.

137

107

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Molecule-surface interactions and processes are at the heart of many technologies, including heterogeneous catalysis, organic photovoltaics, and nanoelectronics, yet they are rarely well understood at the molecular level. Given the inhomogeneous nature of surfaces, molecular properties often vary among individual surface sites, information that is lost in ensemble-averaged techniques. In order to access such site-resolved behavior, a technique must possess lateral resolution comparable to the size of surface sites under study, analytical power capable of examining chemical properties, and single-molecule sensitivity. Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), wherein light is confined and amplified at the apex of a nanoscale plasmonic probe, meets these criteria. In ultrahigh vacuum (UHV), TERS can be performed in pristine environments, allowing for molecular-resolution imaging, low-temperature operation, minimized tip and molecular degradation, and improved stability in the presence of ultrafast irradiation. The aim of this review is to give an overview of TERS experiments performed in UHV environments and to discuss how recent reports will guide future endeavors. The advances made in the field thus far demonstrate the utility of TERS as an approach to interrogate single-molecule properties, reactions, and dynamics with spatial resolution below 1 nm.

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“…The optical setups were detailed in previous references. 7,9,24 For lifetime measurements, a 532 nm pulsed laser with a 35 ps pulse width was used and synchronized with the time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) setup. In order to examine the self-decoupling efficiency of the designed TP molecules on Au(111), we first carried out photoluminescence measurements to reveal their emission feature.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Self-decoupled tetrapodal perylene molecules for luminescence studies of isolated emitters on Au(111)

Ijaz

Yang

Wang

et al. 2019

Applied Physics Letters

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Self-decoupled tetrapodal perylene molecules were designed, synthesized and deposited on the Au(111) surface through electrospray ionization technique. Photoluminescence and lifetime measurements show that the chromophore groups of the designed molecules are well decoupled from the gold substrate. Molecule-specific emissions from both neutral and anionic molecules were observed in the preliminary electroluminescence measurements. The

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Scanning tunneling microscope based nanoscale optical imaging of molecules on surfaces

Cited by 14 publications

References 89 publications

Effect of a Dielectric Spacer on Electronic and Electromagnetic Interactions at Play in Molecular Exciton Decay at Surfaces and in Plasmonic Gaps

Effect of a Dielectric Spacer on Electronic and Electromagnetic Interactions at Play in Molecular Exciton Decay at Surfaces and in Plasmonic Gaps

Ultrahigh-Vacuum Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Self-decoupled tetrapodal perylene molecules for luminescence studies of isolated emitters on Au(111)

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