This first book to focus on the use of SPMs to actively manipulate molecules and nanostructures on surfaces goes way beyond conventional treatments of scanning microscopy merely for imaging purposes. It reviews recent progress in the use of SPMs on such soft materials as polymers, with a particular emphasis on chemical discrimination, mechanical properties, tip-induced reactions and manipulations, as well as their nanoscale electrical properties. Detailing the practical application potential of this hot topic, this book is of great interest to specialists of wide-ranging disciplines, including physicists, chemists, materials scientists, spectroscopy experts, surface scientists, and engineers.