Atomic / Molecular Manipulation
Low Temperature Scanning Tunneling Microscope
FEATURES OF THE LT-STM:
The LT-STM
is specially designed for working at atomic scale at low temperature (i.e.
to perform atomic / molecular manipulation or local spectroscopy). The STM
has a modified Besocke beetle design with ensures its high stability (dz<1pm)
and only a small drift. The STM is thermally isolated. Its temperature can
be varied between 6 ... 300 K. The low temperature of the STM freezes the
motion of most adsorbates that can be evaporated onto the sample surface either
inside or outside the STM.
The surface / adsorbates can be investigated for weeks. No degradation of
the sample will be observed as long as the 4K radiation shield that surrounds
the STM remains cold.
Due to the design of the cryostat a very low helium consumption is achieved which requires to refill only 4 liters of liquid helium every 48 hours when the STM is at its lowest temperature.
The whole
scan unit is digitally controlled. Therefore a precise tip positioning on
any spot of the sample with any tunneling parameter can be made. This can
be used to perform local spectroscopic measurements (i.e. I(V), I(Z)) to reveal
electronic or vibrational properties of the sample or the interaction between
tip and sample as well a different kinds of manipulation techniques.
Any information (I(t), U(t), XYZ(t), dI/dU ...) can also be recorded during
the manipulation.
The standard scan range of 1.5µm x 1.5µm x 0.3µm can be
adopted to the desired range. The minimum tunneling current is 500 fA.
The system provides optical access onto the sample to control the exact position of the tip with the help of a telescope. The sample transfer can also be done at low temperature. A helium cooled manipulator allows you to prepare, analyze and transfer the samples at temperatures down to 20K.
VIDEO
of Atomic Manipulation:
Short
Video Clip of STM-'Q': Cu on Cu(111)
Temperature Increase from 9K to 12K
Download
your LT-STM Brochure 
(PDF)
Atomic/Molecular Manipulation Techniques
Technical Specifications and Drawings of the LT-STM-System
Picture of complete LT-STM system