Atomic scale friction: from basic characteristics to control

The basic characteristics of molecular systems under shear are briefly reviewed and methods to control friction are proposed. These control methods allow to eliminate chaotic stick–slip motion, and modify frictional forces. The possibilities to control friction are demonstrated using a model system which displays the main experimentally observed behaviors, obtained in measurements on nanoscale confined liquids and granular layers. The methods should be applicable to real systems for which time series of dynamical variables are experimentally available. The only necessary condition is the existence of (possibly unstable) sliding regimes of motion in experimental systems.