Scanning tunnelling vibrational spectroscopy of single surface complexes and detection of single electron spins

Abstract

New spectroscopic techniques employing the scanning tunnelling microscope are considered. The new methods allow measurements of the vibrational spectra of single surface complexes, determination of the nonequilibrium distributions of such complexes over vibrational levels, studies on the kinetics of vibrational transitions, determination of vibrational relaxation parameters, detection of single surface electron spins and studies on the dynamics of fast surface migration of species. The physical grounds and possible applications of the methods in chemical research are also discussed. The bibliography includes 80 references.