Scanning tunneling microscopy manipulation of native substrate atoms: A new way to obtain registry information on foreign adsorbates

We demonstrate successful lateral manipulation of host atoms on Cu(211): In a controlled manner we are able to release Cu atoms from upper terraces, move them on the lower terrace to form dimers and trimers, and adhere them to the terrace edge again. We apply this novel ability to deduce information on adsorption sites of foreign species: By bringing Cu atoms close to CO molecules, we determine the location of the adsorbate. The sites of C2H4 and Pb are then found via coadsorption with CO.