Direct STM observation of electronic structure modification of naphthacenequinone molecules due to photoisomerization

Light-induced conformational transformations of the naphthacenequinone (NQ) molecules are observed by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). NQ molecules packed in a Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film are shown to form stable ordered structures on a surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). The local density of electronic states is found to exhibit the distinct peak which is characteristic of two-dimensional conductivity. An additional subband of empty electronic states is found for NQ molecules in form A but not in form B. The constant-height STM images of individual molecules in form A demonstrate an additional structure that is indicative of a conformational transition of the NQ molecules. This transition involves the transfer of the phenoxy group from one oxygen to another. Pis’ma Zh. éksp. Teor. Fiz. 68, No. 6, 486–490 (25 September 1998)