Single-molecule infrared spectroscopy with scanning tunneling microscopy

• Science, Volume 391, Issue 6787, Page 807-811, February 2026.

Article Summaries:

• In a landmark study published in Science (Vol. 391, Feb 2026), researchers demonstrate single‑molecule infrared spectroscopy using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). By coupling the STM tip to a tunable infrared source, they detect vibrational absorption through inelastic electron tunneling, achieving spectral resolution at the single‑molecule level. The technique reveals distinct vibrational modes of individual organic molecules adsorbed on conductive surfaces, surpassing conventional ensemble IR spectroscopy. This breakthrough offers a powerful tool for probing chemical identity, bonding, and dynamics of isolated molecules, with implications for surface chemistry, catalysis, and nanoscale device characterization.

Sources:

• https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.adz6643?af=R