  The pervasive phenomenon of friction has been studied at the nanoscale by
controlled manipulation of single atoms and molecules, which permitted a
precise determination of the static friction force necessary to initiate
motion. However, much less is known about the atomistic dynamics during
manipulation. Here we reveal the complete manipulation process of a carbon
monoxide molecule on a copper surface at low temperatures using a combination
of atomic force microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy for different isotope
molecules and density functional theory. We measured the energy dissipation
associated with manipulation and relate its origin to hysteresis involving an
intermediate state, which enables an atomistic interpretation of dynamic
friction. Our results show how friction forces can be controlled and optimized,
facilitating new fundamental insights for tribology.
