Controlling single cluster dynamics at the nanoscale

Gold nanoclusters deposited on highly oriented pyrolitic graphite are selectively detached and moved as a function of their size using the atomic force microscope. Control is obtained working in amplitude modulation and by tuning the interaction strength between oscillating tip and clusters.We show that fundamental controlling parameter is the energy dissipation that can be adjusted varying the tip amplitude oscillation and monitoring the phase shift signal. We characterize the energy detachment threshold of nanoclusters with sizes of 24 and 42 nm of diameter, then we precisely induce and control the movement of clusters with diameter below 40 nm within a mixed deposition.