Anisotropic Ballistic Transport Revealed by Molecular Nanoprobe Experiments

Atomic-scale charge transport properties are not only of significant fundamental interest but also highly relevant for numerous technical applications. However, experimental methods which capable detecting at the single-digit nanometer length scales scarce. Here we report on molecular nanoprobe (MONA) experiments Pd(110) where utilize carrier-driven switching a single cis-2-butene molecule to detect ballistic over few nanometers. Our data demonstrate striking angular dependence with dip in along [1-10]-oriented atomic rows and peak transverse [001] direction. The narrow width both features distance-dependent measurements suggest that nanometer-scale metallic surfaces is significantly influenced by structure.