A thin film of 1,1-dicyano-2,2-(4-dimethylaminophenyl) ethylene (DDME) has
been grown by a modified vacuum deposition. The films were characterized by
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy,
and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Highly ordered parallel molecular
stacks were repeatedly observed with STM under ambient conditions. The dc
current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of device Au/DDME/Au were measured, a
nd the film was found to possess good electrical bistability and electrochr
omic properties. Nanometer-scale recording was realized on the film by appl
ying pulse voltage between the STM tip and substrate. The possible switchin
g mechanism is discussed. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0003-69
51(00)01118-9].