Local probe oxidation of self-assembled monolayers : Templates for the assembly of functional nanostructures

The local oxidation of self-assembled monolayers with a scanning probe is a promising method for the generation of structures with chemical functionalities on the nanometer scale. This technique, which takes advantage of the chemical stability and versatility of selfassembled monolayers and the ability to pattern these monolayers by scanning-probe-based oxidation methods, enables the hierarchical assembly of complex structures in a controlled manner. Surface modification can be followed by the assembly of a further functional monolayer and/or additional surface-modification reactions in the targeted, sequential construction of functional device features.