Single molecule control for a millionth of a billionth of a second

Physicists at the University of Bath have discovered how to manipulate and control individual molecules for a millionth of a billionth of a second, after being intrigued by some seemingly odd results.

Their new technique is the most sensitive way of controlling a chemical reaction on some of the smallest scales scientists can work -- at the single molecule level. It will open up research possibilities across the fields of nanoscience and nanophysics.

An experiment at the extreme limit of nanoscience called "STM (scanning tunnelling microscope) molecular manipulation" is often used to observe how individual molecules react when excited by adding a single electron.

A traditional chemist may use a test-tube and a Bunsen burner to drive a reaction; here they used a microscope and its electrical current to drive the reaction. The current is so small it is more akin to series of individual electrons hitting the target molecule. But this whole experiment is a passive process- once the electron is added to the molecule researchers only observe what happens.