Practical applications of scanning tunneling microscopy

1989 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 18-19
Author(s):  
D. R. Denley
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Digital Data ◽  
Scanning Tunneling ◽  
Ambient Atmosphere ◽  
Tunneling Microscopy ◽  
Clear Trend ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Promising Tool

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has recently been introduced as a promising tool for analyzing surface atomic structure. We have used STM for its extremely high resolution (especially the direction normal to surfaces) and its ability for imaging in ambient atmosphere. We have examined surfaces of metals, semiconductors, and molecules deposited on these materials to achieve atomic resolution in favorable cases.When the high resolution capability is coupled with digital data acquisition, it is simple to get quantitative information on surface texture. This is illustrated for the measurement of surface roughness of evaporated gold films as a function of deposition temperature and annealing time in Figure 1. These results show a clear trend for which the roughness, as well as the experimental deviance of the roughness is found to be minimal for evaporation at 300°C. It is also possible to contrast different measures of roughness.

Scanning tunneling microscopy of polymers: A status report

1989 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 330-331
Author(s):  
P.E. Russell ◽  
I.H. Musselman
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy ◽  
Sample Surface ◽  
Atomic Scale ◽  
Constant Current ◽  
Scanning Tunneling ◽  
Status Report ◽  
Tunneling Microscopy ◽  
Research Issues ◽  
Wide Range

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has evolved rapidly in the past few years. Major developments have occurred in instrumentation, theory, and in a wide range of applications. In this paper, an overview of the application of STM and related techniques to polymers will be given, followed by a discussion of current research issues and prospects for future developments. The application of STM to polymers can be conveniently divided into the following subject areas: atomic scale imaging of uncoated polymer structures; topographic imaging and metrology of man-made polymer structures; and modification of polymer structures. Since many polymers are poor electrical conductors and hence unsuitable for use as a tunneling electrode, the related atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique which is capable of imaging both conductors and insulators has also been applied to polymers.The STM is well known for its high resolution capabilities in the x, y and z axes (Å in x andy and sub-Å in z). In addition to high resolution capabilities, the STM technique provides true three dimensional information in the constant current mode. In this mode, the STM tip is held at a fixed tunneling current (and a fixed bias voltage) and hence a fixed height above the sample surface while scanning across the sample surface.

scholarly journals On-surface synthesis of singly and doubly porphyrin-capped graphene nanoribbon segments

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 247-252
Author(s):  
Luis M. Mateo ◽  
Qiang Sun ◽  
Kristjan Eimre ◽  
Carlo A. Pignedoli ◽  
Tomas Torres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Dft Calculations ◽  
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy ◽  
Electronic Properties ◽  
Graphene Nanoribbon ◽  
Scanning Tunneling ◽  
Tunneling Microscopy

Singly and doubly porphyrin-capped graphene nanoribbon segments are reported and their electronic properties are studied by high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, and DFT calculations.

scholarly journals Can Dew Help us to Image Insulating Material?

1995 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-21
Author(s):  
Stephen W. Carmichael
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy ◽  
Electron Flow ◽  
Scanning Tunneling ◽  
High Resolution Imaging ◽  
Tunneling Microscopy ◽  
Insulating Material ◽  
Metal Atoms ◽  
New Development ◽  
Resolution Imaging

In high resolution imaging of biologic structure, atomic lorce microscopy (AFM) has been prevailing over scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). This is primarily because biologic materials do not conduct electricity, and STM requires that electrons flow to or from the surface of the specimen, whereas electron flow is not required for AFM. Microscopists intent on using STM have compensated by coating specimens with a thin coat of metal. However, the presence of metal atoms on the surface degrades the resolution. A new development may make STM more useful to biologists than ever before.

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