Metalorganic network spectroscopy: dependence on coordination atoms

Abstract

The achievement of single atom arrays is key to new fundamental properties that lead to exciting physical properties, like for instance single-atom magnets. However, the resulting position of these atoms has a strong dependence on the supporting substrate and the system temperature. Liquid helium temperatures are required to freeze the atoms, which are often found random sites. A way to generate precise arrays of single atoms stable up to room temperature is the growth of self-assembled metalorganic coordination networks (MOCN) using organic molecules as spacers. Here, by means of STM/STS we probe the electronic properties of different single coordinating atoms embedded in an array di-cyano anthracene (DCA) molecules formed upon the three (111) noble metal surfaces. We have achieved these spontaneously formed MOCN using Fe, Co or Cu (see Fig. 1). We observe distinct spectroscopic fingerprints in the LDOS that leads to shifts of the molecular LUMO levels and relevant surface state pore confinements. We will discuss the effect that the different chemical species and the substrate have on the overall electronic properties of the system.