Scanning tunneling microscopy of individual molecules: beyond imaging

We discuss several concepts of handling molecule-adsorbent and hetero-molecular structures on an individual molecular basis. Molecular recognition using scanning tunnelling microscopy underpins the fundamental progress made. ''Beyond imaging'' implies repositioning, patterning, and exploring the functionality of individual molecules. Using porphyrin-and fullerene-based systems, we discuss issues such as conformational analysis, supramolecular systems, patterning, and the fabrication of a molecular adding machine. These examples form the beginnings of a bottom-up approach to fabrication and ''sciengineering'' from a molecule-by-molecule perspective. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.