Perturbational imaging of molecules with the scanning tunneling microscope

Microscopic imaging of molecules is important for determination of molecular structures by providing real space snapshots. The scanning tunneling microscope (STM) is able to offer local perturbations to a molecule such that the molecule is locked in a transient state. This perturbation is tunable to certain extent, giving rise to the possibility to “pose” the molecule before a shot is taken. Here, we report the pose-and-shoot method applied to Au-adatom-diethylthiolate (CH₃CH₂S–Au–SCH₂CH₃). This type of perturbational imaging significantly enhances the capability of the STM in providing a dynamic view of the molecule.