Atomic microscope

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Revision as of 08:15, 24 December 2008 by DavidCary (talk | contribs) (direct link to pdf of referenced article; link to reference.)
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Whatever happened to the homebrew Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) project? I don't know. I guess I will try to re-create the project here.

I remember someone posted plans for an atomic-resolution scanning microscope on the web. Too bad his website went offline.

Juergen Mueller has some detailed plans. http://www.e-basteln.de/

Parts needed for an STM:

  • computer
  • computer-to-analog interface
  • analog to high-voltage analog amplifiers
  • piezo tube (are there any other alternatives for atomic-resolution positioning?)
  • mounting hardware
  • vibration isolation hardware (cases, rubber feet, bungee cords, etc.)
  • tips (there seem to be a wide variety of prices)
  • ... what am I missing ? ...

What's the total cost?

I've heard that some people run their STMs "in solution", the tip of the probe scanning the bottom of a dish of water. So, contrary to popular belief, you do *not* need a vacuum chamber. Some can run successfully in air, too.

... help fill in the details ...


software

  • Gwyddion ( http://gwyddion.net/ ) is a modular program for SPM (scanning probe microscopy) data visualization and analysis. Gwyddion is intended for analysis of height fields obtained by means of scanning probe microscopy techniques (AFM, MFM, STM, SNOM/NSOM), but generally it can be used for any other height field and image analysis. GPL.


further reading