Molecular structures on crystalline metallic surfaces - From STM images to molecular electronics

We present results from scanning tunneling microscopy obtained for organic molecules - coronene and different phthalocyanine derivatives - adsorbed on crystalline metallic substrates under UHV conditions. Molecular structures resolved till to submolecular details are observed. The principles governing regular self-assembled adsorbate structures are discussed. There are accessible close-packed ultra-thin molecular films as well as open network structures suited as templates for further processing. Switchable single-molecular configurations as well as potential storage and nano-engine devices placed on a regular self-assembled molecular pattern are demonstrated.