Fundamental considerations in the manipulation of a single C₆₀ molecule on a surface with an STM

We discuss the conditions needed to perform mechanics on the nanoscale. Various modes for adsorbates manipulation using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) are presented. Amongst those, which include sliding, pulling and pushing, we find that molecules such as fullerene C60 are repositionable by pushing. This mechanism is modeled using molecular mechanics calculations, which provide the threshold STM tunnel junction resistance necessary to translate C60 parallel and perpendicular to a step edge on a Cu(100) surface. Perpendicular translation provides the opportunity for more complex mechanics on the nanoscale such as the control of the kinetic energy of a single adsorbate. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.