Vibrational Heating Of Molecules Adsorbed On Insulating Surfaces Using Localized Photon Tunneling

We calculate the (average) temperature increase in an adsorbed molecule resulting from heat transfer (photon tunneling) from a tip located at a short distance (nanometers) from the adsorbate. For adsorbates on insulating substrates, the temperature increase may be so large as to induce local reactions-e.g., diffusion or desorption of the adsorbate. We conclude that photon tunneling may be used for the manipulation of adsorbed molecules or for the modification of thin adsorbed films.