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Our facilities

Scanning probe microscopes (STM and AFM) are the most exquisite tools to not only investigate the geometric, but also the electronic structure of flat surfaces at the atomic scale. When operated at low temperatures, one can uniquely benefit of electronic spectroscopy (STS) and vibrational spectroscopy (IETS) at the single atom/molecule level. Furthermore, atomic manipulations allow for a tailored design of nano-structures. STM, AFM and their spectroscopy modes have revolutionized our understanding of the physics and chemistry at surfaces.

STM Scheme

Our lab is located at the School of Physics and Astronomy, within the newly established Scottish Centre for Interdisciplinary Surface Spectroscopy (SCISS). This centre is jointly run by Dr Felix Baumberger and Dr Renald Schaub. This lab hosts a low-temperature STM combined with the q-plus AFM sensor (CreaTec/SPECS instrument, delivery in July 2008). Our specifications are:

STM/STS

    base temperature 5 K
    scan range 1 µm at 6 K, 1.5 µm at 77 K
    max drift rate at 6 K: < 0.1 nm/hour
    residual vibration level: < 2 pm
    easy switch STM/AFM
    STM rests on 14 tonnes concrete block isolated from the buiding

Surface preparation

    automated sputter/anneal (up to 1200 K)
    evaporators, thickness monitor
    LHe-cooled manipulator (20 - 1200 K)
    low temperature sample transfer to STM
    cleaver for special oxides


Here is a schematic of the microscope setup:

STM Setup

Last update: 28/02/2012 - R. Schaub - School of Chemistry - University of St Andrews