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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/K01360/01
Title: MANIPULATION OF INDIVIDUAL MOLECULES WITH THE SCANNING TUNNELLING MICROSCOPE
Principal Investigator: Palmer, Professor RE
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: School of Physics and Astronomy
Organisation: University of Birmingham
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 1994 Ends: 31 March 1998 Value (£): 162,154
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Surfaces & Interfaces
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Electronics
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
But I am not afraid to consider the final question as to whether, ultimately - in the great future - we can arrange the atoms the way we want; the very atoms, all the way down! (Richard Feynman, 1959). The purpose of the present research proposal is to establish a major UK programme exploring fundamental aspects of atomic and, in particular, molecular manipulation with the STM. The programme will be supported by collaborations with three other groups around the world: with Dr E Schweizer and Prof A Bradshaw (Berlin) and with theoretical groups at Maryland and Chalmers. An industrial collaboration has been agreed with two UK companies, Oxford Instruments and WA Technology who have developed a low temperature UHV STM and who will provide equipment and staff. As a result, scientific results are expected from the early stages of the research programme. The scientific focus of the work will be the investigation and exploitation of the fundamental mechanisms of manipulation of individual adsorbed molecules; in particular, the exploration of new mechanics involving local electron capture with an emphasis on dissociation of individual molecules initiated and interrogated with the STM. The proposal is underpinned by the work of the principal applicant in molecular processes initiated by low energy electron beams and also by the experience acquired in the recent successful construction and application of a low temperature UHV STM. The programme will contribute to a significant UK impact in what is unquestionably one of the most lively and exciting areas of Scanning Probe Microscopy.
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Organisation Website: http://www.bham.ac.uk