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SUMMARY:Molecular Motors and Switches at Surfaces - Prof Petra Rudolf\, Ze
 rnike Institute for Advanced Materials  University of Groningen
DTSTART:20140430T150000Z
DTEND:20140430T160000Z
UID:TALK50251@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Leona Hope-Coles
DESCRIPTION:Nano-engines and molecular motors form the basis of nearly eve
 ry important biological process. In contrast to this solution chosen by Na
 ture for achieving complex tasks\, all of mankind's present day technologi
 es function exclusively through their static or equilibrium properties. On
  can therefore easily anticipate that the controlled movement of molecules
  or parts of molecules offers unprecedented technological possibilities fo
 r the future. In this presentation I shall illustrate how introducing new 
 concepts like incorporating a ratchet mechanism\, allows for the creation 
 of molecular engines that transcend simple switches. I shall discuss how t
 o build molecular engines that allow movements at the molecular level to b
 e coupled to the macroscopic world\, e.g.\, to store information in polyme
 r films\, or to transport macroscopic objects like drops of liquid over a 
 surface. \nAnother example are molecular systems that can be triggered to 
 form spontaneously functional structures with a well-defined position on s
 urfaces.  I shall explain this idea for "nanomills"\, the nanoworld counte
 rpart of windmills\, namely molecular motors where repetitive unidirection
 al rotation around the central double bond is achieved. \nFinally I shall 
 discuss molecular switches which can be addressed with light and charge tr
 ansfer and show that such systems can be employed for “read and write”
  functions.\n
LOCATION:Pippard Lecture Theatre\, Cavendish Laboratory
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