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Scanning-probe Single-electron Capacitance Spectroscopy

Scanning-probe Single-electron Capacitance Spectroscopy

Published on: July 30, 2013

Sensing the quantum limit in scanning tunnelling spectroscopy.

Christian R Ast¹, Berthold Jäck¹, Jacob Senkpiel¹

¹Max-Planck-Institut für Festkörperforschung, Heisenbergstraße 1, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.

Nature Communications

|October 7, 2016

Summary

In scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS), quantum effects cause current granularity, limiting energy resolution. This study demonstrates this quantum limit at 15 mK, impacting STS precision.

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Area of Science:

Quantum physics
Condensed matter physics
Surface science

Background:

Scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) typically models tunnelling current as continuous.
At low temperatures, single-charge charging energy can exceed thermal energy, making current granularity significant.
The tunnel junction's capacitance couples tunnelling electrons to the electromagnetic environment, introducing noise.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the quantum limit of tunnelling current in STS.
To demonstrate that current granularity, mediated by junction capacitance, is a key factor in STS energy resolution.
To experimentally validate the P(E)-theory as the energy resolution function in this quantum regime.

Main Methods:

Utilized a scanning tunnelling microscope operated at an ultra-low temperature of 15 mK.
Employed superconducting aluminium as both the tip and sample material to enhance the quantum effects.
Analyzed the tunnelling current to identify and quantify the impact of quantum granularity and environmental noise.

Main Results:

Confirmed operation within the quantum limit where current granularity is non-negligible.
Showcased that the electromagnetic environment, mediated by junction capacitance, acts as a significant noise source.
Observed that the effect is most pronounced in superconducting systems, as predicted.

Conclusions:

The granularity of tunnelling current in the quantum limit fundamentally determines the ultimate energy resolution in STS.
The P(E)-theory accurately describes the probability of energy exchange between tunnelling electrons and the environment, serving as the energy resolution function.
Experimental validation at 15 mK with superconducting materials provides strong evidence for these quantum effects in STS.