- #1
Fermat
Hello everyone!
I have a little question about STM.
Why can we move atoms with STM by increasing the tunneling current?
I have a little question about STM.
Why can we move atoms with STM by increasing the tunneling current?
Originally posted by kyle_soule
The tip is moved down towards the atom and this increases the attractive force by increasing the tunneling current...
Originally posted by marcus
Please refresh my memory, what is the cause of this attractive
force between the atom and the tip?
does it actually depend on having the tunneling current flow or is
it just a sort of atomic force stickiness? or is it an electrostatic
attraction depending on voltage difference rather than current? sorry if question is
naive---i want to imagine it in very concrete terms if possible---thx
Originally posted by kyle_soule
increases the attractive force by increasing the tunneling current.
Originally posted by Fermat
Why can increasing tunneling current increase the attractive force?
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) is a type of microscopy that uses a sharp tip to scan the surface of a material and produce an image with atomic resolution. The tip is positioned extremely close to the surface, and a small voltage is applied, allowing electrons to tunnel between the tip and the surface. By measuring the tunneling current, images of the surface can be created.
STM works by scanning a sharp tip over the surface of a material while maintaining a constant distance between the tip and the surface. As the tip moves, the tunneling current between the tip and the surface is measured and used to create an image. The tip is controlled by piezoelectric materials, which allow for precise movements in the x, y, and z directions.
The tunneling current in STM is crucial for atom manipulation. By adjusting the voltage applied to the tip, the tunneling current can be changed, allowing for precise control over the movement of atoms on the surface. This technique has been used to manipulate individual atoms and molecules, allowing for the creation of nanostructures with atomic precision.
STM has several advantages for atom manipulation. It allows for the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules, providing atomic-scale control over the surface. Additionally, it can be used in various environments, including vacuum, air, and liquids, making it a versatile tool for studying different materials and processes.
Despite its many advantages, STM also has some limitations in atom manipulation. One major limitation is the requirement for a conductive surface, as the tunneling current can only be measured on conductive materials. Additionally, the process of manipulating atoms can be time-consuming and requires a high level of skill and precision.