Mapping the electrostatic force field of single molecules from high-resolution scanning probe images.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: How electronic charge is distributed over a molecule determines to a large extent its chemical properties. Here, we demonstrate how the electrostatic force field, originating from the inhomogeneous charge distribution in a molecule, can be measured with submolecular resolution. We exploit the fact that distortions typically observed in high-resolution atomic force microscopy images are for a significant part caused by the electrostatic force acting between charges of the tip and the molecule of interest. By finding a geometrical transformation between two high-resolution AFM images acquired with two different tips, the electrostatic force field or potential over individual molecules and self-assemblies thereof can be reconstructed with submolecular resolution.
SUBMITTER: Hapala P
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4894979 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
ACCESS DATA