Condensation of Fivefold-Symmetric Molecules in Two Dimensions

Abstract

We report the formation of a two-dimensional glass by solidification of a two-dimensional gas of fivefold-symmetric molecules on a copper surface upon cooling. Direct observation with scanning tunneling microscopy allows a detailed insight into the implications of a symmetry mismatch between molecular geometry and crystal lattice.

Keywords

• Fivefold-symmetry
• Phase transition
• Polymorphism
• Stm
• Two-dimensional glass