Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM)
Basic STM Operation
Rev. B
MultiMode SPM Instruction Manual
151
9.2
Basic STM Operation
9.2.1 System Setup
This section explains how to use the NanoScope to image a conductive sample.
Select the STM option in the software
Select
Microscope
>
Pro
fi
le
>
STM
or
Other Controls
panel >
Microscope mode
>
STM
.
Prepare the sample
The STM bias voltage is supplied to the sample through the top of the scanner. The sample surface
must be electrically connected to the scanner end cap. Attach the sample to a metal puck using an
electrically conductive (e.g., silver-based) epoxy such as Dynaloy 325 or equivalent. It is not
necessary to glue the metal puck to the scanner. The magnet that holds the metal puck to the
scanner cap will provide a good electrical connection to the scanner cap.
Note:
If the sample you are going to measure is a conductive
fi
lm on an insulative
substrate, you need to bring the conductive path to the surface. Use additional
conductive glue on the edge of the sample to ensure that the surface of the
sample is connected to the metal puck.
Prepare the microscope
1. Insert a new STM probe in the STM converter head tipholder. The tips come in a small,
plastic snap-box filled with foam. Grip the tip with tweezers near the sharp end and insert the
blunt end of the tip into the tipholder tube until all about 1mm of the tip protrudes from the
holder. It is normal to feel a slight resistance as you insert the tip into the tube. The tip holder
tube is slightly curved. The curve in the tube provides a good mechanical and electrical
connection to the STM probe.
Note:
For older tipholders (before 1995), it may be necessary to put a slight bend in
the tip to help it stay in.
2. Place the converter head atop the scanner, checking for clearance between the tip and the
sample as the head is lowered. If the tip appears to be too low and threatens to crash into the
sample, adjust the scanner screw(s) to obtain more clearance.
3. Secure the STM converter to the scanner by hooking the springs on the side of the scanner or
MultiMode’s base to the metal pins on the side of the converter. (The MultiMode head
attaches to the scanner in a similar way).
4. Verify that the mode switch on the MultiMode’s base is on
STM
. The LED next to the STM
setting on the base should glow and the LCD display on the front of the base will display
“STM”.