Surface dynamics of organic layers explored by scanning probe microscopy techniques

Organic thin layers, especially self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), on well-defined solid surfaces have attracted tremendous attention owing to their interesting physical and chemical behavior as well as potential applications. The aim of this PhD thesis was to study the structural properties, electronic properties and dynamical process of SAMs. The objective was achieved by using scanning probe microscopy techniques, like time-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy (TR STM) and electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM), with high spatial resolution and time resolution. Employing a current-voltage (I-V) converter with a large bandwidth, current-time spectroscopy, while the feedback loop disabled, can be recorded (hereafter referred as I-t traces). In this way, a high temporal resolution for STM can be achieved. This makes STM a versatile tool for the characterization of the structure, electronic properties and dynamics of SAMs. Recently developed peak force tapping AFM enables one to measure soft biological samples with high special resolution and minimal damage for the sample. With the combination of peak force tapping mode in EC-AFM, morphological responsiveness of redox-active metalloprotein azurin molecular layers were investigated.