A fast-scanning, low- and variable-temperature scanning tunneling microscope
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2001
Abstract
The design and performance of a fast-scanning, low- and variable-temperature, scanning tunneling microscope (STM) incorporated in an ultrahigh vacuum system is described. The sample temperature can be varied from 25 to 350 K by cooling the sample using a continuous flow He cryostat and counter heating by a W filament. The sample temperature can be changed tens of degrees on a time scale of minutes, and scanning is possible within minutes after a temperature change. By means of a software implemented active drift compensation the drift rate can be as low as 1 nm/day. The STM is rigid, very compact, and of low weight, and is attached firmly to the sample holder using a bayonet-type socket. Atomic resolution on clean metal surfaces can be achieved in the entire temperature range. The performance of the instrument is further demonstrated by images of adsorbed hexa-tert-butyl-decacyclene molecules on Cu(110), by STM movies, i.e., sequential STM images with a time resolution down to 1 s/image (100×100 Å2 with 256×256 pixels), of the mobility of these molecules, and finally by constant current images of standing waves in the electronic local density of states on Cu(110). © 2001 American Institute of Physics.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Review of Scientific Instruments
First Page
1438
Last Page
1444
Recommended Citation
Petersen, L., Schunack, M., Schaefer, B., Linderoth, T., Rasmussen, P., Sprunger, P., Laegsgaard, E., Stensgaard, I., & Besenbacher, F. (2001). A fast-scanning, low- and variable-temperature scanning tunneling microscope. Review of Scientific Instruments, 72 (2), 1438-1444. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1337068