2D Manipulation of Nanoobjects by Perpendicular Electric Fields: Implications for Nanofabrication

International audience; The capability of controlling the motion of nanoobjects on a surface would open perspectives in nanofabrication. Here, we show the proof of concept that the displacement of a 2D nanostructure on a surface can be controlled by means of two perpendicular electric fields. With a specifically designed sample holder, we displace a 2D negative island on Si(001) along a close loop, in a low-energy electron microscope. Our technique could be applied to other systems to assemble nanomaterials.