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Science 10 May 2002:
Vol. 296. no. 5570, pp. 1103 - 1106
DOI: 10.1126/science.1069856
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Reports

Single-Molecule Optomechanical Cycle

Thorsten Hugel,1 Nolan B. Holland,1* Anna Cattani,2 Luis Moroder,2 Markus Seitz,1 Hermann E. Gaub1dagger

Light-powered molecular machines are conjectured to be essential constituents of future nanoscale devices. As a model for such systems, we have synthesized a polymer of bistable photosensitive azobenzenes. Individual polymers were investigated by single-molecule force spectroscopy in combination with optical excitation in total internal reflection. We were able to optically lengthen and contract individual polymers by switching the azo groups between their trans and cis configurations. The polymer was found to contract against an external force acting along the polymer backbone, thus delivering mechanical work. As a proof of principle, the polymer was operated in a periodic mode, demonstrating for the first time optomechanical energy conversion in a single-molecule device.

1 Lehrstuhl für Angewandte Physik & Center for Nanoscience, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, Amalienstrasse 54, 80799 München, Germany.
2 Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie, Am Klopferspitz 18 a, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.
*   Present address: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.

dagger    To whom correspondence should be addressed.

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