Undergrad Understanding Quantum Corral images

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the interpretation of quantum corral images produced by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). These images represent regions of varying tunneling current, which correlates with the density of states in quantum systems. The high spots in the images indicate areas of greater current flow, reflecting the underlying wavefunctions and probability densities. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding solid state physics concepts, such as Fermi levels, to fully grasp the implications of these images.

PREREQUISITES
  • Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) fundamentals
  • Quantum mechanics, specifically wavefunctions and probability density functions
  • Solid state physics concepts, including Fermi levels
  • Densities of states in quantum systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) operation
  • Study the mathematical formulation of wavefunctions in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the concept of density of states in solid state physics
  • Investigate the relationship between tunneling current and atomic structure
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Researchers in quantum physics, materials scientists, and anyone interested in the practical applications of scanning tunneling microscopy for visualizing atomic structures.

fog37
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Hello Forum,

The iconic images of quantum corrals are made by assembling individual atoms using a STM.
I am still unclear on what the image is truly representing. Do the ripples represent the probability density? Of what? How is that possible? I can see how we can mathematically calculate and graph wavefunctions and associated probability density functions but I don't see how we can physically see them with the STM...

thanks!
 
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fog37 said:
I am still unclear on what the image is truly representing.
The high spots in the image are regions where the current through the tip of the STM is greater.
 
Been a while since this very correct answer was given. Is fog completely happy with this answer ? Because I'm still curious to know what causes this current to vary (which it doesn't for the 'constant current' practical implementations where the tip is moved up and down :smile:). Under Procedure (NOT under Principle of operation) I find that the tunneling current depends on the density of states. The TeachersManual is a bit more elaborate: On p 5 the work functions of tip and sample are featuring, and again the densities (tip and sample) of states.

Wonderful ! And all this info with just a little Googling. Time to brush up solid state physics, Fermi levels and such !
 

Thread 'Two equivalent statements of time reversal symmetric Hamiltonian'

Time reversal invariant Hamiltonians must satisfy ##[H,\Theta]=0## where ##\Theta## is time reversal operator. However, in some texts (for example see Many-body Quantum Theory in Condensed Matter Physics an introduction, HENRIK BRUUS and KARSTEN FLENSBERG, Corrected version: 14 January 2016, section 7.1.4) the time reversal invariant condition is introduced as ##H=H^*##. How these two conditions are identical?
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