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High-stability cryogenic scanning tunneling microscope based on a closed-cycle cryostat.
Jason D Hackley1, Dmitry A Kislitsyn1, Daniel K Beaman1
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1253 University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|November 3, 2014
Summary
A new cryogenic ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscope (UHV-STM) coupled to a closed-cycle cryostat (CCC) significantly reduces mechanical noise for atomic-scale imaging and spectroscopy.
Area of Science:
- Surface science
- Nanotechnology
- Cryogenic instrumentation
Background:
- Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) requires stable conditions for atomic resolution.
- Mechanical vibrations from cooling systems can degrade STM performance.
- Achieving low temperatures is crucial for studying certain material properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and operate a UHV-STM coupled to a CCC.
- To minimize mechanical noise transfer from the CCC to the STM.
- To achieve atomic-resolution imaging and spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Mechanical decoupling of STM from CCC using helium exchange gas and bellows.
- Noise analysis of tunneling current.
- Atomic-resolution imaging of Au(111), NaCl(100)/Au(111), and carbon nanotubes.
- Thermal drift analysis and Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy (STS) using lock-in technique.
Main Results:
- Achieved low noise levels (up to 1.5 pm tip-sample distance variation).
- Obtained atomic-resolution images of various surfaces and nanostructures.
- Demonstrated high lateral scanner stability (0.18 Å/h).
- STS measurements showed no detectable CCC noise.
Conclusions:
- The CCC-coupled UHV-STM is a highly stable instrument.
- Enables detailed atomic-scale spectroscopic investigations.
- Suitable for a wide range of surface and materials science applications at low temperatures.
