Charge Derealization Induces Reaction in Molecular Chains at a Surface

摘要

The scanning tunneling microscope (STM) enables studies of electron-induced reaction at the molecular scale. The STM tip is used to deliver an electron to a single adsorbed molecule, after which the reaction products at the surface are observed. Pioneering experimental work has been performed at semiconductor and metal surfaces. Non-adiabatic ionic excitation plays a major role for electron-induced reactions occurring at surfaces. Molecules remain in the excited ionic potential energy surface, designated pes over a sufficient period of time for acceleration and distortion prior to reversion to the ground potential energy surface (pes).