Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of Individual Molecules: Beyond Imaging

We discuss several concepts of handling molecule-adsorbent and hetero-molecular structures on an individual molecular basis. Molecular recognition using scanning tunneling microscopy underpins the fundamental progress made. `Beyond imaging' implies repositioning, patterning, and exploring the functionality of individual molecules. Using porphyrin and fullerene-based systems, we discuss issues such as conformational analysis, supramolecular systems, patterning, and the fabrication of a molecular adding machine. These examples form the beginnings of a bottom-up approach to fabrication and `sciengineering' from a molecule-by-molecule perspective.