Automated extraction of single H atoms with STM: tip state dependency

Area of Science:

• Surface science
• Scanning probe microscopy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Atomic-scale manipulation is key for surface science.
• The H:Si(100) surface is a model system for studying hydrogen passivation and removal.
• Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is a powerful tool for atomic-scale imaging and manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an automated routine for controlled single hydrogen atom removal from H:Si(100).
• To investigate the influence of scanning tunneling microscope tip apex structure on hydrogen removal efficiency.
• To compare desorption efficiency across different scanning tunneling microscope topograph classifications.

Main Methods:

• Development of automated atomic extraction protocols.
• Utilizing scanning tunneling microscope (STM)-induced modification.
• Analysis of hydrogen desorption events and efficiency based on tip state and STM topographs.

Main Results:

• Successful development of automated protocols for controlled single hydrogen atom extraction.
• Identification of dimer-row-resolving tip apices as the most efficient and reliable for hydrogen removal.
• Counter-intuitive finding that atomic-resolution tip states exhibit lower single hydrogen atom removal probability.

Conclusions:

• Automated STM protocols enable reliable atomic-scale manipulation of hydrogen on Si(100).
• Tip apex structure critically influences the success of adsorbate removal.
• Optimized tip states, specifically those resolving dimer rows, enhance precision in surface modification.