Study of the origin of superstructure patterns in the scanning tunneling images of perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic-dianhydride on graphite by electronic structure calculations

D. K. Seo, J. Ren, M. H. Whangbo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Partial electron density plots were calculated for various arrangements of perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic-dianhydride (PTCDA) molecules on graphite to understand why scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images of PTCDA on graphite exhibit superstructure contrast variations. In agreement with experiment, the contrast of the partial electron density plot depends strongly on the orientation and position of PTCDA on graphite. This observation originates from the fact that the overlap between the orbitals of the adsorbate and substrate is strongly affected by their relative arrangement. The HOMO or LUMO density of an adsorbate molecule can be inadequate in interpreting STM images of adsorbate molecules.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)252-258
Number of pages7
JournalSurface Science
Volume370
Issue number2-3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 10 1997
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aromatics
  • Graphite
  • Scanning tunneling microscopy
  • Self-assembly
  • Semi-empirical models and model calculations
  • Surface electronic phenomena
  • Thin film structures

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Materials Chemistry

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