Reversible 1D chain-reaction gives rise to an atomic-scale Newton's cradle

Abstract

An F-atom with ∼1 eV translational energy was aimed at a line of fluorocarbon adsorbates on Cu(110). Sequential ‘knock-on’ of F-atom products was observed by STM to propagate along the 1D fluorocarbon line. Hot F-atoms travelling along the line in six successive ‘to-and-fro’ cycles paralleled the rocking of a macroscopic Newton's cradle.