A compact low temperature scanning tunneling microscope

Construction of a Low Temperature Scanning Tunneling Microscope

JacobTosado July 22, 2004 This paper discusses work I have done with the construction of a low temperature scanning tunneling microscope (LTSTM) and the operation of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). A brief description to why a LTSTM is used and the background concerning that description, is covered. Mainly methods in STM imaging are described giving insight into two possible sources of i...

Compact very low temperature scanning tunneling microscope with mechanically driven horizontal linear positioning stage.

We describe a scanning tunneling microscope for operation in a dilution refrigerator with a sample stage which can be moved macroscopically in a range up to a cm and with an accuracy down to the tens of nm. The position of the tip over the sample as set at room temperature does not change more than a few micrometers when cooling down. This feature is particularly interesting for work on microme...

Simulating Scanning Tunneling Microscope

Versatile optical access to the tunnel gap in a low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope.

We developed a setup that provides three independent optical access paths to the tunnel junction of an ultrahigh vacuum low temperature (4.2 K) scanning tunneling microscope (STM). Each path can be individually chosen to couple light in or out, or to image the tunnel junction. The design comprises in situ adjustable aspheric lenses to allow tip exchange. The heat input into the STM is negligibl...

A low temperature scanning tunneling microscope designed for imaging molecular adsorbates

We report on the development of a low temperature scanning tunneling microscope (STM) used for imaging molecular adsorbates. The microscope operates near 85 K and features in situ tip and sample exchange. Cooling is accomplished via a clamping mechanism that provides a direct mechanical link between a liquid nitrogen dewar and the STM stage. During imaging, the clamping mechanism is released, a...