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philip041
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How on Earth do 'they' get a probe that close to a sample in SPM without it touching (in STM) or at just the right controlled amount?
SPM stands for Scanning Probe Microscopy, which is a type of microscopy technique used to image and manipulate surfaces at the nanoscale level. STM stands for Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, which is a type of SPM that uses a sharp probe to scan the surface of a sample and create an image based on the electrical interactions between the probe and the sample.
SPM and STM work by using a sharp probe to scan a sample's surface and measure various properties such as surface topography, electrical conductivity, and magnetic fields. The probe is attached to a flexible cantilever, which is moved over the sample using a piezoelectric device. The interaction between the probe and the sample is measured and used to create an image of the surface.
The main advantages of SPM and STM are their ability to image and manipulate surfaces at the nanoscale level, providing high-resolution images and measurements. They also allow for non-destructive imaging and can be used in various environments, such as in liquids or at different temperatures.
SPM and STM have a wide range of applications in various fields, including materials science, biology, and nanotechnology. They can be used to study surface properties, create nanostructures, and manipulate individual atoms and molecules.
The main limitations of SPM and STM are their high cost and complexity, which require specialized equipment and training. They also have a limited scan area and can only image conductive or semi-conductive surfaces, making them unsuitable for certain samples. Additionally, the imaging process can be affected by vibrations, temperature changes, and other environmental factors.