The central aspect of our approach is to introduce site
selectivity not only in the mutual interaction of molecular
building blocks but also in the interaction with the template
surface. Surface science today provides us with a vast
body of practical knowledge about surface conditioning
and surface growth, e.g. by epitaxial methods. We shall
utilise this knowledge for the fabrication of template
surfaces with regular nucleation sites on which functional
molecular building blocks will be self-assembled. These
templates will be realised by two-dimensional strain relief
and dislocation networks.
On these anchor sites we shall adsorb a first species of
molecular building blocks, specifically designed for the
desired interaction with a second molecular species in a
well defined orientation due to chemically selective attachment.
In principle, this process of chemical tailoring and site
selective assembly can be pushed to higher levels, yielding,
in the process, uniquely determined and potentially very
complex molecular superstructures. Combining experimental
and theoretical analysis for the targeted modification of
our molecular compounds, we shall optimize the ensuing electronic
structure and transport properties in view of next generation
storage, sensor, actuator, responder and electro-optical
applications.
