Controlling nanoclusters with surface defects could lead to construction of nanodevices (w/ Video)

In nanoscience, the ultimate goal is to design better materials and devices by controlling the positions of the atoms, molecules, and molecular clusters on a substrate with exact precision. In a new study, researchers have developed a new method for controlling the movements and positions of clusters of gold atoms on an insulating substrate not only by using the tip of a microscope as is usually done, but also by using atom-sized defects in the substrate itself. The additional level of control offered by the defects could prove useful for constructing future nanodevices and nanomachines.